Darwin Hugh Pierson
September 5, 1942 ~ May 13, 2024
Darwin Hugh Pierson, 81, of Murphysboro, IL formerly of Sheffield, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL. Darwin was a loving devoted Father and Grandfather to 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Darwin bravely battled numerous medical conditions, hospitalizations and severe weakness in the last 2 months of his life-eventually ending up in nursing home care until he was called Home by his Heavenly Father.
Darwin was born September 5, 1942 in Princeton, IL the son of Vernon and Grace "Darlene"(Riley) Pierson. Growing up, his family enjoyed time on the farm, caring for many animals- with horses being his absolute favorite, fishing, hunting, and family trips out west. Darwin graduated from Manlius High School where he played basketball. Darwin attended Texas Lutheran College for 2 years where he met his future wife, Connie Mae Anderson. Darwin and Connie soon moved back to Illinois and were married on November 18, 1961 in Yorktown, IL. She preceded him in death on July 31, 2022. Darwin and Connie enjoyed many trail rides: including "The Hundred Miler", picnics, boating with friends, spending time with family until they were blessed with 4 children.
Darwin served in the United States Army with training in California and was granted an honorable discharge in order to go back to farming. Darwin worked in agriculture alongside his father for many years. Darwin also worked in the strip mines as a surveyor. Darwin finally found his home at the Hennepin Canal where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the State of Illinois for many years prior to his retirement. Dad had a passion for the outdoors and associated activities including gardening. Darwin was also an avid collector of coins. In addition, he was very patriotic- proudly displaying his American Flag and giving to Tunnel to Towers and various organizations.
Darwin was a long-time resident of Sheffield until he moved to Murphysboro, IL to help his late daughter Candace. Darwin enjoyed time with his best friend Jim who he met at the Senior Center. Darwin and Jim loved each other's company and truly understood each other. Darwin and Jim spent time running errands, eating lunch together and discussing current events.
Throughout his life, Darwin was an active church member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manlius, IL with service on the board. Darwin had a true passion for his family which he was 100% dedicated to at all times. Darwin loved attending his childrens' sporting events including: volleyball, basketball, track, and Tae Kwon Do in addition to band & choir concerts during their high school years.
Darwin cherished his time with family and friends. Darwin-always the biggest Illini Fan was happiest cheering on the football team for 10 years with his wife and cousins. Darwin also loved going to Illini basketball games with his daughter Lynae. Darwin relished visits with Suzanne, Kevin, Andrew, Connor, Lynae and Kaliapi enjoying going out to eat at Giant City Lodge, Fugiyama, watching the grandchildren swim and play and spending quality time at the Holiday Inn Express in Murphysboro, IL. Highlights were birthday cakes from Larry's House of Cakes and watching Illini basketball games together.
A memorable moment for Darwin was attending a Trump Ralley at the airport hangar in Southern Illinois with his late daughter Candace.
Darwin absolutely loved riding the Southwest Chief Amtrak Train with his late wife to visit their son Kendall and family in Albuquerque, NM. The Balloon Fiesta was a highlight of those trips. Darwin was most excited about trips out west with his family seeing The Badlands, Mount Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, and the pinnacle Cheyene, WY attending "The Granddaddy of Them All" Rodeo. Darwin and family enjoyed yearly trips to the Fort Madison rodeo.
Though Darwin adored his daughters and son-he was always smiling and happiest to see his grandson Andrew and loved watching him grow. Darwin loved talking to his grandchildren and hearing about all of their activities.
Darwin loved our Lord Jesus with his whole heart and with unwavering faith marched through life according to God's plan.
Rest in eternal Peace Beautiful Strong Father Darwin!
Survivors include his three children: Dr. Kendall H.Pierson (Satjeet) of Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Lynae A. Pierson (Stephen Kovach) of Galloway, OH and Suzanne Pierson (Kevin Doyle) of Edwardsville,IL as well as 6 grandchildren: Logan Pierson, Kira Mangam, Kaeleigh Kovach, Kaliapi Kovach, Andrew Doyle, and Benjamin DeShazo.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Candace Pierson-DeShazo, parents and two brothers, Gerald Pierson and Stanley Brieser.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Funeral Service will be 10:00am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Ryan Sutton, officiating. Burial will follow at Yorktown Cemetery in Yorktown.
Memorials may be directed to the Candace Pierson-DeShazo Memorial Scholarship at Bureau Valley High School.
Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com
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health issues will prevent me from being at the visitation for Darwin, but I offer my sincere sympathy to his family for their loss with this tribute. Many decades of friendship between us and our families will always be remembered fondly. I will always consider Darwin to have been a true, sincere friend.