Decatur, Ill.

Frederick Alexander Pierce, 87, of Decatur passed away Thursday, December 13, 2012 in his home with his family by his side.

Fred was born February 5, 1925 in Ardmore, OK, the son of Fred James and Amy (Alexander) Pierce. He went to Millikin University and graduated in 1950. He was a medic in the Navy and served in both WWII and the Korean War. He worked as a credit manager at Mueller Company, and was the quartermaster and treasurer at the VFW Post 99 for 25 years. He was an umpire of baseball and softball for 35 years, an avid chess player, and loved music and making wine. He married Beverly Heckman on April 4, 1953 in Decatur, IL. She survives.

Fred leaves behind his wife; daughter, Nancy (Jeff) Smith of Decatur; sons, John (Becky) Pierce of Decatur; David Pierce of Decatur; Brian Pierce of Decatur; grandchildren, Mike Smith, Casey Pierce, Mary Pierce, Dylan Pierce, Ryan Pierce; great-grandchildren, Addison Smith, Ethan Smith, Evan Smith; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 grandchildren, one half-brother, and one half-sister.