It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother and uncle Keith Pierce. He died unexpectedly early Thursday morning at his home of a heart condition.
Keith was born July 28th, 1951, to Keith and Isabel Caliendo Pierce. He is survived by a sister, Mary Pierce Brosmer and her husband, Tom Keller, of Cincinnati, a brother, Rafe Pierce, of Galion, and many nieces and nephews. Keith was a devoted husband to Vicki (Groves) Pierce whom he married June 30th, 1979, and a loving father to Shelby Pierce and her husband, Jeremy Robinson, of Columbus, Ohio.
Keith graduated from Crestline High School in 1969 and began work at Shelby Tubing before joining the railroad. He worked for Norfolk and Southern until his retirement in July, 2014.
Keith loved people. He never met a stranger, and drew people to him in a gentle, friendly way. He made people feel special. Always generous, fun-loving and thoughtful, he believed in treating others as he wanted to be treated. He lived his life as a man of honesty and integrity and never felt the need to be anyone but his authentic self.
Keith was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and skeet shooting. His greatest passion was turkey hunting. It wasn’t just about getting the bird. He lived for being in the woods at daybreak, seeing the birds fly down from their roosts, watching the sun rise and feeling the forest come awake.
Keith enjoyed traveling, seeing the many parks and wildlands across our country. He also reveled in the history of the landmarks and buildings everywhere he visited.
Keith loved children and young people. He took special enjoyment and pride in his daughter, his many nieces and nephews, and many more great nieces and nephews. He delighted in teaching them hunting and fishing skills. Generous with his time. Patient. Teaching respect for weapons, and, above all, respect for Mother Nature.
The loss of Keith creates a chasm in the lives of those who loved him.
The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, May 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 West Main Street, Crestline, OH 44827. A Service of Remembrance will follow at 2:00.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Those wishing to share a memory of Keith or send condolences to the Pierce family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com