Frank Alfred Pearce Jr.

CMSgt USAF (Retired)

Past Zone Chairman (Lions Club)

Frank A. Pearce Jr. was born on March 28th, 1941 in Knoxville, Tennessee and passed away in

Puyallup, Washington on Feb. 27, 2025. He joined the United States Air Force on September 3rd, 1959 and remained until his retirement on December 1st, 1986. He retired at the highest enlisted rank of Chief

Master Sergeant completing 27+ years of distinguished military career. He served in all aspects of the

radar operation career field throughout the world and spent fourteen years here in the Tacoma area at

McChord Air Force Base with the 25th Air Division.

While on active duty, Frank found time to graduate from University of Puget Sound with a

Business Administration degree in 1981 and a joint Masters degree from Webster University in

Procurement Management and Computer Resources Management in 1986 in Colorado Springs, Colorado while completing his military career as Superintendent, Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

Chief Pearce's military decorations were Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious

w/bronze oakleaf, Air Force Commendation Medal w/silver and bronze oakleaf, Air Force Outstanding

Unit Award, Air Force Combat Readiness Medal w/silver oakleaf, Air Force Good Conduct Medal

w/silver oakleaf, Anny Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal

w/3 battle stars, Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Short Tour, Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Long Tour, Air

Force Longevity Service Medal, Air Force NCO Academy Graduate, Air Force Small Arms Expert

Marksman, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Frank has always been very dedicated to assisting his community. He joined the Tacoma

Southeast Lions Club in November 1982 and served as secretary for four years and 100% President in 1989-1990 and 2004-2005. He is a LIFE member of Lions Clubs International from Tacoma Southeast Lions Club .. He has been secretary to Zone Chairman for Zone I 9C-I twice and Cabinet Secretary for five District Governors of District l 9C. He has held many other Zone and Cabinet positions. He served as

Zone Chairman for Zone 19C-1 from 1993-1994. Frank has received many Zone and District awards but

the highest he has received is the International Presidents of Lions Clubs International Leadership Medal

and three International President's Certificates of Appreciation. He is a Melvin Jones Fellowship award

hold and a Melvin Jones Progressive recipient.

Chief Pearce has continued to maintain involvement with his military community. He was the

Charter Secretary/Treasurer for the 25th Air Division Retirees Group, which was formed in 1988 for the

purpose of maintaining liaison with military retirees; he has continued in this role for the since that date.

In 1998, his retirees group along with members of the Western Air Defense Sector (Washington National

Guard) celebrated 50th Anniversary of the 25th Air Division.

Patriotism has always been a key quality of Frank's life. He joined the Sons of the Revolution

(Tennessee Chapter) in April 17, 1986 and is a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution

(Alexander Hamilton Chapter), Washington State. He is a life member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars

(VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), life member of Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association

(AFTEA), life member of American Veterans (AMVETS).

Survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sheila R. Pearce. His beloved daughters Carmen Janes,

Isabella Herburger of Puyallup, and Ines (Sita) Pearce Walker of Los Angeles, CA and son, Frank C.

Pearce of Kenmore, WA; son-in-laws, Greg Herburger, Ryan Walker and Lloyd Janes. Daughter-In-Law Bonnie Pearce. Grandchildren; Logan Herburger, Nicolas Herburger, Anthony Shults, Cameron Shults, Gabriella Pearce, Sofia Pearce, Alexander Pearce and Jacob Walker. Stepchildren Roberta Bese, and Tara Forde. Step grandchildren, Chantel Herburger, Alex Hardy, William Forde, Cole Forde and Cooper Forde. Step great-grandchild, Miillea Herburger and many nephews, nieces and cousins in Tennessee.

Chief Pearce will be buried with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.