Harry James Pierce of Chesterfield, Missouri
February 12, 1933 - October 4, 2025

Deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Harry James Pierce, aged 92, announces his passing on October 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and family, an incredible work ethic and a charitable generosity to all.

He was predeceased by his wife Jean Elizabeth (Karrasch) Pierce, his high school sweetheart. They were married for 67 years. They shared many great years together in Hazelwood, MO; Woodland Hills, CA; Wilton, CT; Roswell, GA; Ridgefield, CT; Creve Coeur and Chesterfield, MO. Harry and Jean were both born in St. Louis, Missouri and met at Beaumont High School. They built a beautiful life together, raising their five cherished children, all of whom survive them: Mark Pierce (Linda Tetlow) of Chesterfield, MO; Elizabeth Pierce-Fortin of Pomfret, CT; Celia (Rich) Piechowicz of Scottsdale, AZ; Kenneth (Rose) Pierce of Redondo Beach; CA, Margaret (Kevin) Burns of Daytona Beach, FL. He was a proud and doting grandfather leaving behind his eight treasured grandchildren: Jason (Joyce Ke) Fortin, Danielle Fortin (Chris McGovern), Mariel Piechowicz, Sean Pierce, Harrison Pierce, Celia Burns, Allie Burns, and Gillian Burns. He was thrilled to be able to embrace two great grandchildren Chloe and Cooper Fortin.

Harry is also survived by four siblings: Kathleen Mueller, William (JoAnn) Pierce, Daniel (Sharon) Pierce, Thomas (Carolynn) Pierce, a sister-in-law Jeanette Karrasch and numerous nieces and nephews on both the Pierce and Karrasch sides. He was predeceased by his parents Adrian and Mary (Burke) Pierce and siblings Frank Pierce, Mary Patricia Harper, Geraldine Cardinale, and Adrienne Sczepanski.

Harry was a true self-made man; he began humbly as a route salesman for Continental Baking Company (Hostess Cakes and Wonder Bread) where he distinguished himself with his creative marketing ideas. His hard work, leadership, and determination saw him rise to the role of Senior Vice President. He was diligent in making sure that the Hostess cakes on the shelves in stores were always fresh. He was affectionately referred to by some as "Mr. Twinkie" as he was determined to make Twinkies a beloved American product.  He was interviewed on the Today Show about the iconic cake. His house was always the most popular on Halloween because he gave out Hostess cakes. He retired from a long and successful career (45 years) at Continental Baking Company.

He was a devout Catholic who served as a church usher for many years, most recently at Incarnate Word in Chesterfield, MO where he and Jean were also active participants in the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. He generously supported the church with both his time and money and benevolently contributed to many Catholic charities, veteran and police organizations, as well as health organizations including The Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Harry was always there for friends and family members when they needed a helping hand.

Harry and Jean were avid sports fans, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams and Blues and the college teams of their children, notably UCONN basketball, Georgia Bulldogs, and Florida State Seminoles.

When he wasn't working, Harry enjoyed the simple pleasure of family picnics and barbecues, days at the beach in California with his family and taking the family out for ice cream. He retired early to enjoy many days on the golf course and to play poker with his buddies, as well as couples golf nights with his wife Jean. Harry and Jean especially relished traveling across the country to visit their children and grandchildren and delighted when they came to St. Louis for a visit. Harry was elected to the Board of Trustees for the subdivision where he lived. He and Jean made many dear friends over the years, including neighbors, fellow members of Four Seasons Country Club, their mall walking pals and maintained many lifelong high school friendships.

Harry was active well into his 80s, but slowed down when COVID hit and Jean's physical abilities disintegrated. He lovingly took care of her in their home until her passing in 2022. Shortly before then he started having some memory issues which rapidly increased over the past year and a half. The family is grateful for his son Mark who moved in with him after Jean passed to keep him in his home as long as possible, and for the Memory Care Staff and Hospice personnel at Evertrue Mason Pointe where he spent his last few months.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Incarnate Word Catholic Church with a reception immediately following downstairs in Bollinger Hall.

Incarnate Word Catholic Church
13416 Olive Boulevard
Chesterfield, MO  63017

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either:

Lewy Body Dementia Association
912 Killian Hill Road, S.W.
Suite 105
Lilburn, GA. 30047
404-935-6444
lbda@lbda.org
https://www.lbda.org/

Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation
3800 Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO. 63110-2514
314-577-5605 or  1-800-269-0552
info@glennon.org
https://www.glennon.org