H. Kent Pierce Obituary (1943

H. Kent Pierce, 72, of Marietta, IL, died Sunday, August 30, 2015. Kent was born August 9, 1943 in Pana, IL to Lloyd Russell Sommer Faith E. Tappero Sommer. Faith later married Blanford Pierce, whom adopted Kent, and they had 8 additional children together. In his early years, Kent spent time in Pana with his aunt uncle, Shirley Dick Warren along with cousins, Dale Willow Warren. Kent graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1961. He received certificates from G.M. Lousig-Nont and Associates in 1979, Reid College in 1978, and University of Illinois Police Training Institute in 1972 and 1975. He also attended the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, VA. Kent joined the T.J. Pickett Masonic Lodge #307, Bushnell, IL in March 1971. He was also a member of the Ancient Scottish Rite; National Sheriff's Association; Illinois Sheriff's Association; Illinois Police Association; Western Illinois Crime Commission, Training Board Chairman; Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement Group; and Salvation Army Service Extension, Service Unit Chairman. Kent was the Fulton County Sheriff from 1978-1982. In addition, he was the project administrator for the Western Illinois Crime Commission in 1978, Western Illinois University Police Officer from 1972-1977, and City of Bushnell Police Sergeant from 1970-1972. He received honors from the American National Red Cross (ANRC), Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Performance in 1979; National Safety Council, Certificate of Appreciation in 1972; and University of Illinois Police Training Institute, Class President in 1972. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, watching wild life, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Kent married Julie Ann Horsley on March 7, 1964 in Reno, NV. She survives in Marietta, IL, along with children: Dena Marie (Mark) Furniss, Marietta, IL and Daniel Kent (Megan) Pierce, Marietta, IL; 5 grandchildren: Alicia (Adam) Tate, Alexis Furniss, Pierce Furniss, Adrienne Furniss, Kendra Pierce; 2 great grandchildren: Kennedy Tate Presley Tate; brothers: Cary Pierce, Wheaton, IL: Craig Pierce, Bushnell, IL; Curtis Pierce, Avon, IL; and sisters: Kathleen Berg, Kailua, HI; Sharon Pierce, Bushnell, IL; Tina Lovejoy, Bushnell, IL; Kim Pierce, Bushnell, IL. He was preceded by his parents and sister, Carol Kay. Funeral Information Graveside services will be held Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in Linwood Cemetery, Pana with Masonic Rites by Pana Masonic Lodge AFAM #226.