Stephen M. Pierce

Stephen M. Pierce, 74, of Abilene, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home in Abilene. Committal services with military honors will be 10 am Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery with Mike Hill, officiating. Stephen was born on November 6, 1945 in Barnstable, Massachusetts to the late William and Lucy (Thomas) Pierce. He graduated from Barnstable High School in 1963. He and Frances Smith were married on December 24, 1982 in San Diego, California. Stephen served in the US Navy for 24 years, all devoted entirely to the submarine service as a sonarman. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war. Before his retirement as a Senior Chief 1987, Stephen was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Medal for Heroism by President Ronald Reagan in October of 1986. After his retirement, he continued his work on submarines in the Civil Service as a GS10. Stephen was trained as an electrician when he joined the Navy. This, in part, enabled him to become a jack of all trades. Stephen had an innate ability to understand how things worked and was known as a man that could fix anything. In 1972, Stephen bought his first Stingray Corvette which he and Frances enjoyed for many years. In 2011, he and Frances moved to Abilene from Roanoke Rapids, NC. After arriving in Abilene, they placed membership at Beltway Park Church South and Stephen became director of the camera crew. This was something Stephen really loved doing. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Gail Frances Schlosser. Stephen is survived by his wife Frances of Abilene; one son, David R. Ingram and wife Laura of Abilene; three daughters, Crystal K. Edwards of North Carolina, Rhonda G. Nixon and husband John of North Carolina, and Stacey C. Herrera and husband Carlos of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; his niece, Cindi Clatterbuck of Massachusetts and nephew, Michael Dumas of Maine; eight grandchildren, Jessica Lyn, Trevor Joseph David, Jordan Kyle, Philip Stephen, John Tyler, Brittany Lane, Justine Andrea, and Jenna Kaitlyn; and thirteen great grandchildren. Stephen, known to many as Pepa, was loved dearly and will be missed deeply by family and friends alike. We rejoice that he is at peace with his savior. Family suggests memorials may be made to the Food Pantry at Beltway Park Church South, 4009 Beltway South, Abilene, Texas 79606.