Jewell “Junior” Eugene Pearce, 89, of Eldorado, IL passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Harrisburg Medical Center in Harrisburg, IL. Junior was born on June 25, 1935 in Dahlgren, IL to Jewell Pearce Sr. & Lela (Mitchell) Pearce.
Junior worked as a machinery operator for Illinois Central Railroad, and he was a U.S. Army Veteran. He enjoyed collecting knives, eagles, and railroad memorabilia. In recent years, he enjoyed watching the Game Show Network, and watching sports on television. He enjoyed reading all types of books, but especially enjoyed Westerns. He loved horses and he loved to visit Bryant Farm. He had previously worked there caring for horses, and enjoyed it very much.
Junior was known for being a jokester, and he always looked on the bright side of life. He loved visiting with his family, and he loved them very much.
Junior is survived by 2 sons: Rick Pearce of Baileyton, AL and Robert Pearce of Eldorado, IL; 2 daughters: Kathy King (and significant other Woody Norris) of Arab, AL and Donna McCollum of Cambria, IL; 2 step-children: Donna Faye Johnson (and husband Brad) of South Carolina and Joe Turrentine (and wife Sheila) of Brownsville, IL; daughter-in-law Amy Pearce of Eldorado; 12 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters: Delsie Herbert of El Reno, OK and Dorothy Martin (and husband Wayne) of Tullahoma, TN; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a friend & caregiver Tena Thorne of Eldorado, who provided the most wonderful care for Junior, and was a close personal friend as well.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents Jewell & Lela Pearce, his wife Elsie Pearce, step-son Paul Turrentine, granddaughter Emilie Turrentine, 4 brothers: Robert Pearce, Charles Pearce, Thomas Pearce, and James Pearce; 3 sisters: Pearl Mitchell, Gladys Story, and Barbara Moore.
Funeral services for Jewell “Junior” Eugene Pearce will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Bishop R.H. Chitwood officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Following the service, those attending will be dismissed from the funeral home, and Junior’s body will be cremated.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
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