L. Douglas Pierson

Our Dad, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, L. Douglas Pierson passed away on November 12, 2009. He was born in Salem, Idaho on September 19, 1924 to George Arthur and Celia Loveland Pierson.

Dad was the youngest of eight children. His family moved several times during the depression years, depending on where his father could find work, finally settling in Ogden, Utah. During his junior high school days he fell in love with the game of baseball. He pitched for the Police Baseball team and was paid $3.00 a game. At the age of seventeen he pitched for the Ogden Reds baseball team, a farm club of the Cincinnati Reds. His career in baseball ended with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of nineteen and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, 511th Parachute Infantry, Company H. Dad served in the Pacific as a paratrooper. One of his proudest moments was his participation in the liberation of the Los Banos prisoner-of-war camp. During his period of service, he received three bronze stars and two purple hearts. He always enjoyed his "war reunions" with his 511th buddies and looked forward to them every year.

After the war, he met our mother, Nana Taylor, and they were married on November 27, 1946 in Ogden, Utah. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2000.

He graduated from Weber State and attended the University of Utah. He was a businessman by trade, owning Pierson''s Auto Body Supply and Independent Insurance Appraisers. Even with his all business dealings and his hectic work schedule, he was a great Dad who always made time for his family. He coached Little League Baseball for many years and never missed a sporting event his sons were involved in.

He enjoyed golf, his Wednesday lunches with his long time friend, Walt Clubb, his trips to Logan with Bob and his dinners and visits with Ron''s family. He patiently tolerated Carol''s nagging, which resulted in him writing down his war experiences after keeping them to himself for over 50 years. He served as a volunteer at Lakeview Hospital for many years and enjoyed his association with the staff. He was a devoted husband to our Mom and lovingly cared for her for many years as her health failed.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Hill Orgill, his three children and their spouses, Carol (Brent) Elkins, Farmington, UT, Ron (Nani) Pierson, Bountiful, UT, and Bob (Heidi) Pierson, Taylorsville, UT. He is also survived by six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His survivors also include his Company H buddies. He spoke of them often and loved them like his brothers. Graveside services will be held 3 pm Monday November 16, 2009 at Lakeview Memorial Park, 1640 E. Lakeview Dr. Bountiful. Friends may call Sunday November 15 from 6-8 pm at Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com