Virgil G. Pierce

Virgil Guy Pierce, 92, of Ogallala died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Great Plains Health at North Platte.

He was born Dec. 15, 1923, at Arthur to Guy and Alma (Osborn) Pierce, the oldest of 7 children. Virgil attended school in Keystone, graduating in 1941. Following his education, he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad.

With the start of World War II, Virgil entered the United States Army, where he served in the South Pacific Theatre. During the war, Virgil spent time on Adak Island, New Guinea and the Philippines. As the war began to wind down, Virgil was stationed in Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan.

Following his discharge in January of 1946, Virgil returned home and eventually met the love of his life, Donna D. Roby. They were married on April 5, 1947, and their union was blessed with three children.

Virgil worked at Goodall Electric, on the construction of Kingsley Dam and for Stickney's & Searle Inc., before starting a 15-year career in law enforcement where he served as a deputy sheriff for Keith County before joining the Ogallala Police Department. He retired in 1978, yet continued to stay busy working as a driver for Schow Auction Service. Virgil and Donna also enjoyed traveling and wintering in Texas for many years.

Virgil was in his element when spending time outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, spend time at the lake and play cards. Some of Virgil's proudest moments came as a grandfather, being able to teach all of his grandchildren how to hunt, and sharing in their first experiences.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Janet Pierce; two sisters, Irene Woods and Agnes Engel; a niece; three nephews; and seven brothers-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Pierce of Ogallala; two sons, Larry Pierce, and Kevin (Mary) Pierce, and a daughter, Darla (Randy) Reimers, all of Ogallala; three grandchildren, Cory (Melanee) Reimers, Bowe Reimers, and Amber Pierce, all of Ogallala; three great-grandsons, Cody, Slade, and Cale Reimers; a brother, Melvin (Shirley) Pierce of Gering; three sisters, Marie Saunders, Lois Kling, and Carol Jean Creason, all of Ogallala; four sisters-in-law, Frances (Bernie) Spencer of Hyannis, Ruth Roby of Scribner, Della Wolford of Idaho, and Betty Tophoj of Oshkosh; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory for later designation. Condolences can be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in the First Congregational Church with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Cremation will take place following the service, with a private family interment of cremains to be held in the Ogallala Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, in Prairie Hills Funeral Home.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala was entrusted with arrangements.