Richard Pearce

Richard Carlyle Pearce, age 78, peacefully passed away November 1, 2024 in Mapleton, Utah. He was born to Finley and Orba Eldredge Pearce in Pittsburg, California on November 21, 1945. He spent most of his youth growing up in Compton, California. He was blessed with good friends and close family members that provided fun adventures with dynamite, BSA camping trips, moped riding, and pivotal spiritual experiences.

After graduating from Dominguez High School in Compton, Richard attended Compton Jr. College for two years. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British South Mission from March 1965-March 1967. Richard loved serving the English people. He considered it a highlight of his life and a real growing experience as he'd been a shy boy and now had learned to better communicate with people. His service as a missionary prepared him for future service in his church. Some of his callings include Stake Missionary, High Councilor, Bishop, Bishop's Counselor, Young Men President, Scout Leader, and an early morning seminary teacher for 14 years.

After his mission, he attended BYU studying Zoology and Botany. Rich loved all animals! He was very interested in animal habitats and life cycles and loved sharing what he learned with all. He shared his love of animals with his family and they all gained a love for living things from him. It was during his college days at BYU that he met his wife, Lorna Ellgen, on a hunting trip. They married in the Manti Utah LDS Temple on August 22, 1969. Rich and Lorna both graduated from BYU in April of 1970 and Richard continued on his Masters degree for 2 years.

After graduation they moved to Anaheim, California where Richard obtained his first formal job of teaching Science at Somerset High School in the Bellflower School District. For 13 years he loved working with the students and had some meaningful success in these students' lives. One student, in particular, became close friends for all these years later. After teaching, Richard became an Assistant Principal in the same school district. Most of his time he spent working at Mayfair High School. He loved working with the students! His highlights include: forming a video club, starting the girls' soccer team, and implementing "the Three Musketeers" club. Working at the High School allowed both Richard and Lorna to take some amazing trips as chaperones. They were able to go to London, Paris, Costa Rica, Portugal, Spain, & Mexico. They continued to travel together to China, Mongolia, Oman, Dubai, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Of all the exotic places and people, Richard truly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren the most.

After retiring, Richard went to Oskaloosa, Iowa and worked at William Penn University supervising student teachers. He loved this experience as it allowed him to spend quality time with his son Jared and their family. When Lorna's parents needed some additional care, Richard willingly packed up and went with her to Craig, Colorado for 3 years. He kept busy with subbing at the local schools and enjoyed long walks. He cherished the opportunity to serve together as ordinance workers in the Vernal Utah Temple.

One of Richard's greatest desires was to serve another mission. He'd frequently ask his daughter when he could go. Once she asked him which of his brothers he'd like to serve as his companion. He responded, "Any of them, all of them, they are wonderful!" We are imagining a delightful reunion they are having and the service they are able to render reunited until he sees his beloved Lorna again.

Funeral Services will be held in Craig, Colorado on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1295 W Ninth Street. Viewing from 10:30-11:30 am with funeral starting at 12:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held in Anaheim, California on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 535 S Rio Vista Street, Anaheim. 

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Thompson at 801-735-6252.