Obituary of Kenneth Pierce

Kenneth R. Pierce Olean, NY Kenneth R. Pierce of 1811 Happy Hollow Rd. was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Saturday (February 14, 2015) at his home in the presence of his loving family. Born June 14, 1932 in Olean he was the son of Raymond and Mildred Putt Pierce. On June 25, 1955 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olean, he married Glenda Lee Smith who survives. Mr. Pierce was raised in Olean and enlisted in the US Army where he served during the Korean War. As a truck driver and demolitions expert during wartime, his driving skills were valued while negotiating the darkened mountain roads in Korea during blackouts. He first worked as a mechanic for the former Dallas Lincoln-Mercury Dealership in Olean and later was employed a short time as a truck driver for Boss-Linco Truck Lines and then for 23 years for Mushroom Transportation. He then managed Kwik Fill in the west end of Olean for 11 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He enjoyed car racing all of his life and was a longtime NASCAR fan. He loved his dogs Dusty and Pilot. He liked keeping busy with mechanical work after retirement, playing cards, as well as casino bus trips. His grandchildren enjoyed their regular day trips with their grandfather and his whole family enjoyed his own unique brand of humor and clever clichés. Surviving besides his wife are 1 son Dale Pierce of Fairview, PA; 1 daughter Debbie (Stephen) Austin of Olean; 6 grandchildren Dawn Pierce (Matt) Gorney, Derrick (Nicole) Pierce, Kelsey Austin, Michael Murray, Colby Austin and Denita Pierce; 3 great grandchildren Hannah Pierce, Isaac Pierce and Kimberly Dombrowski; 1 sister Gladys Bush of Allegany and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 sisters Evelyn Paoliello and Virginia Mosman. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (February 17, 2015) at 10:00am at the Obi Community Church, 1948 Route 305 in the township of Cuba. Rev. David Cook, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Obi Community Church or to the Weston's Mills Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.