Joseph Hunter Pierson, Sr.

Joseph Hunter Pierson, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his father, Guthrie H. (Doc) Pierson, his mother, Ruth Williams Pierson, 3 brothers, Guthrie Henry Pierson, Jr., Jean Edgerton Pierson, and Robert Milling Pierson and one grandson, Kevin Wade Pierson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Barnes Pierson, 4 children, Ruth Pierson Cleland and husband Terry, of Lake Charles; Joseph H. Pierson, Jr. and wife Pat, of Natchitoches; Robert W. Pierson and wife Lynn, of Natchitoches; and Susan Pierson Berndt and husband, Barry, of Beaumont, TX. Grandchildren left to cherish his memory include Alicia Pierson Harris of Ruston, Hunter Cleland of Lake Charles, Sherri Pierson Ebarb of Missouri City, TX, Brian Pierson of Natchitoches, Alanna Cleland of Tehachapi, CA, Tyler and Drew Berndt of Beaumont, TX and Joshua N. Pierson of Natchitoches. Great-grandchildren include Hunter Jax Cleland, Kate and Malachi Pierson, Anna and Will Harris, and Calan Pierson. Mr. Pierson was a lifelong resident of Natchitoches. After graduating from Northwestern State College, he served in the U. S. Navy during WWII. Then, returning to Natchitoches, he worked at City Bank and Trust Company for 43 years, retiring as President in 1993. He remained as Chairman of the City Bank Board of Directors and then served in a consulting capacity until 2008. In 2009 the Louisiana Bankers’ Association recognized him for 59 years of service to the banking industry in the state. He served as Commissioner of Finance for the city of Natchitoches for numerous terms; served as a charter member of the Natchitoches Port Commission, board member of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, VFW, American Legion and Rotary Club. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and served as church treasurer for many years. He and his wife were honored in 2000 for their many contributions to their church for lay leadership. In 2009, he and Mrs. Pierson were named Natchitoches Treasures for community service contributions. Known by many as “Papa”, Mr. Pierson was an avid duck hunter, golfer, fisherman and sports enthusiast. Above all, he cherished his family and loved spending time with them. Services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, December 23, 2010 at First United Methodist Church, Natchitoches with visitation to be held Wednesday, December 22, 2010 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Crossroads of First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers for the service will include grandsons, Hunt Cleland, Brian Pierson, Tyler Berndt, Josh Pierson, Drew Berndt, grandsons-in-law, Brian Harris and Daniel Ebarb. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Pierson, Mike Pierson, W.K. Norman, Robert Holladay, Bill Hicks, Walter Ledet, G. F. Thomas, Jr., Dr. Chris Ingram, Charlie Churchman, and Henry C. Gahagan, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, Natchitoches or to a charity of your choice.