James Stanton “Stan” Pierce Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.)
January 9, 1937 – November 6, 2021
James Stanton “Stan” Pierce (Lieutenant Colonel, Retired) was born on January 9, 1937, and grew up in Waco, Texas. In 1958, Stan graduated from Texas A&M College (now University) in College Station, Texas, serving in the Corps of Cadets and earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Stan served in a variety of positions, from a Missile Combat Crewman and Commander in locations throughout the Western United States to a Watch Officer at the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon. The highlight of Stan’s career, and one he reflected upon continually, was his year spent in Republic of Vietnam, training the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam on munitions handling and employment. In 1979, while serving in the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Stan retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In Stan’s second career he served in the Law Department at Union Pacific Railroad, managing department operations while Union Pacific acquired the Missouri Pacific and Western Pacific Railroads. Following his second retirement, Stan continued to serve others by working at the Nebraska Epilepsy Foundation, Children’s Square U.S.A., Community Alliance, and St. Martha’s Episcopal Church.
Stan finally retired in 2012, filling his days with keeping track of his pets, Rosie, Aggie, and Savannah, watching Gunsmoke, cheering on the Aggies, and connecting with friends. While Stan may have slowed down during his retirement, he was always ready to tell you a story about watching his sons’ wrestle, the bone chilling cold at Malmstrom Air Force Base, working countless hours underground in a missile silo, serving on the watch floor during the SS Mayaguez Incident, walking along Foggy Bottom, or peaceful times on the water at Lake Waconda with his family and a Gin and Tonic.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Pierce and Gladys Howard; and sons, Maurice “Reece” Pierce and John “Russ” Pierce. Stan is survived by his wife, Gladys Pierce of Papillion, Nebraska; his sister, Kay Gritter (Jerry) of Bryan, Texas; son, Randy Pierce (Beth) of Glasgow, Kentucky; daughters-in-law, Debbie Pierce of Fort Myers, Florida and Jennifer Bivens of Knoxville, Tennessee; stepchildren: Alison Pierce (fiancée Ryan Rosener) of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Derek Pierce (Jill) of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Nolan Pierce (Melissa) of Columbia, Maryland; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren spread throughout the United States.
Family will receive friends Sunday, November 14th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at West Center Chapel. FUNERAL: Monday, November 15th at 11am at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church, 780 Pinnacle Drive, Papillion, NE. Interment: Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Stan’s memory are suggested to Community Alliance of Omaha, St. Martha’s Episcopal Church of Papillion, or the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Softly call the muster, Let comrade answer, “Here”
11 Comments
Am so sorry to hear about Stan’s passing. Always enjoyed chatting with him when I was walking the dogs.
Thinking of you dear Gladys and family. May your memories sustain you. Deepest sympathy! Joann & Dennis Andersen
My grandfather always had the best stories, I will greatly miss him.
What a incredible story of a man serving our country,community& family. Stan will always be remembered and missed.
Daryl Giles neighbor
I will always remember the great times we had at Texas A&M. He was a wonderful roommate and friend. All his Class of ’58 Aggie buddies will miss him. My sincere condolences for Gladys, Kay and the family.
Stan and Wayne were in the next room to Jack Brown and me our freshman year in 1954 at A&M. We fought that “fish” year together, then we spent the next two years together in Sqdn 15, then we joined together on the 2nd Wing Staff for our senior year. A GREAT FRIEND FOR FOUR YEARS!!! There is no doubt in my mind that he was an outstanding officer in the Air Force. Gladys, we in the 5th Group have missed the two of you in the past few years when Stan’s health did not allow you to attend our reunions. Out deepest sympathy to you and your family
Jack Wilkinson, Col, USAF, (Retired) Aggie classmate and friend
Loved Stan’s stories when we worked together at the Epilepsy Foundation of Nebraska. He was full of good humor and just a lot of fun. Condolences to Gladys and family.
Gladys we are so sorry to hear the sad news of Stan’s passing. We are praying for peace for you during this tough time. Stan will be missed in the neighborhood.
To the Pierce family, I am so sorry for you. Stan was such a great gentleman; absolutely first class all the way. Such great memories of Wakanda. I am traveling on business today so will be unable to make it to the memorial but Randy, please get in touch with me when you are able. Once again, I am so sorry and am remembering you in my prayers.
Stan “THE MAN” always made me feel like family. I have enjoyed many Thanksgivings and Christmas holidays with the Pierce Family. Stan and my father Col James Lee Flood served in Vietnam together and remained good friends after. We hunted together…we broke bread together and celebrated life together. My heart aches for truly one of the Greatest Families I’ve ever Known. Be Strong My dear friends and know that we will all be with our Lord soon enough…just not yet! I love you and miss you all
Thinking of you lots Gladys! My sincere condolences to you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Stan.
Sign Guestbook