E. Kennon ‘Ken’ Pierson, 75, of Odon, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family and friends after a six month battle with illness on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at IU Methodist Hospital. He was born on May 11, 1944 in Wheeling, West Virginia to John A. and Marjorie (Shimp) Pierson. Ken was married to Maryann (Blakesley) Pierson on July 29, 1983.
Ken was a US Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam era. He was a graduate of River High School Class of 1962. Ken received his Bachelor’s degree from Ashland College. He also received his Master’s degrees from Manchester College and Indiana University Fort Wayne. He continued his Doctoral studies at Purdue University. Ken worked many years in education as a high school teacher, principal, and college professor. Ken was instrumental in the development of the WJHS radio station at Columbia City High School. Ken was also an assistant coach for the Columbia City High School football team. He retired in 2001 as a high school principal and in 2012 as a college professor. Ken was a member of the Odon Christian Church where he was active in Samaritan’s Purse. He was also actively involved with the church’s daycare program. Ken was involved in many mission trips to Arizona for the church. He was a member of the Odon Lions Club, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and was a board member of the Winklepleck Library.
Family left to cherish the memory of Ken include: one son, Mark (Kim) Pierson of Lawrenceburg; one daughter, Michele (Monty) Ream of Logansport; one granddaughter, Kennedy Ream; one brother, George (Cecile) Pierson; sisters, Sara Smith and Beth Ann (Samuel) Baker; several nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Maryann; son, Scott Grove and brother, John Pierson.
Arrangements are as follows, visitation hours will be from 2 PM until 5:30 PM, Monday, January 6th at the Odon Christian Church with Micah Stephen officiating. Funeral services will follow at 5:30 PM Monday, January 6th with Military honors given by the Odon VFW Post #9627. Ken will be laid to rest at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, January 7 at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Odon Christian Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.