Orson Garry Pearce

Orson Garry Pearce, age 92, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family on December 1, 2023 in St. George, Utah. He was born on May 11, 1931 in Cedar City, Utah to Jesse Nelson Pearce and Annetta Hammond. His father passed away in 1935 when Garry was 3 years old and 7 years later in 1942 his mother married Anthony (Tone) Foremaster.

Garry married his high school sweetheart JoAnn Paxman in the St. George Temple on July 7, 1950. They had 6 children together. A son who died at birth, Merlin Garry (Christy) Pearce, Jillyne (Daniel) Bradshaw, Cori Ann Pearce, Kimberly (Paul) Hackwell and Darrin Charles (Robynne) Pearce.  His wife, JoAnn, passed away February 10, 1983. He met and later married D’On Carter on March 10, 1984 and became a stepfather to D’On’s four sons Bryan, Bradley, Bruce and Brook Ward.

Garry attended high school and Dixie Junior College graduating in 1949. After graduating he worked on his stepfather's ranch and several farms. Upon marrying JoAnn they moved to Astoria, Oregon where he worked as a mechanic fixing salmon fishing boats for about 2 years. After the birth of their son Merlin, they returned to St. George for a short time. They then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he started an apprentice plumbing program, ultimately working 15 years as a journeyman plumber. The family then moved to St. George where he worked for Larkin Plumbing, retiring after 26 years. One of the highlights of his plumbing career was the opportunity to work on the St. George, Utah Temple when it was remodeled in 1977.

Garry was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Scoutmaster, Teachers Advisor, Sunday School Class President, Ward Clerk, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric and Bishop. He also served 2 service missions and for 15 years Garry faithfully called and assigned ward members to give the Sacrament Meeting prayers each week.

He loved ranching and always had horses. Garry managed the ranch when his stepfather’s health was failing to ensure his parents had income to support themselves. After his stepfather’s passing, he took over ownership of the ranch working there for many years before it was eventually sold. He loved to design and build projects big and small, seeing them through to completion. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, card games, socializing with lifelong friends and loved family gatherings. 

He is survived by his wife D’On, his 5 children, 3 step children, 30 grandchildren, and numerous great and great, great grandchildren.  

Garry is preceded in death by his son who died at birth, his first wife JoAnn, his parents, his younger brother Douglas Pearce, son-in-law Paul Hackwell, son-in-law Devor Pickering and stepson Bradley Ward.

Funeral Services will be held on December 12, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Crimson Cliffs Chapel located at 2079 East 2450 South, St George, Utah. A viewing will be held at the chapel Monday evening 6:00pm to 7:30pm and Tuesday morning prior to services from 9:30am to 10:45am. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.

The funeral service may be viewed on the Live Stream link below.