Oskaloosa, Iowa, is in mourning following the untimely passing of Richard Douglas Pearce, a beloved local. Doug Pearce (Garvey) was born on February 23, 1965, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. His life was filled with laughter, adventure, and a strong sense of kinship with his ancestors.
A Modest Start in Pennsylvania: Doug had an idyllic childhood in Duke Center, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family and the natural world. He spent many hours hunting in the nearby woods with his family, demonstrating his love of the great outdoors. His appreciation of the Pennsylvania hills was shaped by these early experiences and persisted throughout his life.
A Career in Trucking and My Educational Goals: Doug’s path persisted as he attended Triangle Tech of Erie to obtain a degree in drafting and design. Equipped with his abilities, he started a more than two decade career in over-the-road trucking. He traveled the nation telling tales of the various environments he came across. But in his heart, Pennsylvania’s undulating hills continued to be the most beautiful place on earth.
Home Alone in Iowa: Doug eventually found comfort and a new home in Iowa’s warm embrace. Here, he pursued his love of woodworking, restored muscle cars, looked after his prized rose garden, and enjoyed the independence of riding his Harley-Davidson. Oskaloosa served as a setting for the periods of his life during which he laughed, worked hard, and followed his passions.
Recalling the Diverse Aspects of Doug: Doug Pearce’s contagious laugh and tender heart will always be cherished memories. Those closest to him will remember his love of creating, his excitement when working on muscle cars, his care for his rose garden, and the wind in his hair when he drove his Harley-Davidson through the countryside of Iowa. Everyone who had the honor of knowing him was moved by his spirit and boundless enthusiasm for life.
Friends and Family Remaining: Eva (Fred) Cramer of Bradford, Pennsylvania, his mother; Rachel (Jeffery) Snell of Niagara Falls, New York; and four siblings Beverly (Dale) Netzel of Killen, Texas; Timothy (Rebecca) of Newport, North Carolina; and Matthew Todd (Dawn) and Bradley (Kelly), both of Duke Center remain to survive Doug. His loss is also felt by a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.
A Father and Son’s Farewell: Doug Pearce, whose father Harry “Sonny” Pearce passed away before him, left behind a legacy of love, humor, and an unbreakable spirit. A memorial service honoring Doug’s life will take place at a later time, giving friends and family a chance to get together and pay tribute to a man who touched many people’s lives.
An Open Tribute: The Bradford Era has published this moving ode, which provides an insight into the life of a man who had a profound influence on the towns where he lived. In addition to celebrating Richard Douglas Pearce’s colorful life and paying tribute to him in memory of the happiness and warmth he brought into their lives, the community is grieving. Richard Douglas Pearce was a beloved resident of Oskaloosa. His legacy will live on in the hills and in the hearts of those who had the honor of traveling with him. With love, we bid him farewell.
