Merle Pearce

Merle D. (Curley) Pearce, a longtime resident of San Juan County and La Plata County, passed away April 18, 2014 in Durango, Colorado. Merle was born January 3, 1940 in Lakeside, Arizona, the son of Leo Berton and Grace Irene (Williams) Pearce.
Merle was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, Leo Pearce and sister Shirley Seitzinger. He is survived by his two sons, Merle V. and wife Beth Pearce and Steven Dale Pearce, both of Durant, OK; sisters, Irene and husband Ed Zufelt of Bloomfield, NM, Louise LaRue of Capitan, NM, twin brother Verle C. and wife Charlene Pearce of Odessa, TX; best friends Robert Faverino of Bloomfield, NM and Linda and Brittney Ketchum of Hesperus, CO; grandchildren Melissa and Garrett Russell of Lexington, NC, Merle V. Pearce, Jr. of Stillwater, OK, Joe and Tabitha Moore of Denver, CO , Chris Moore of Denver, CO, Charlie and Brandy Williamson, of Muskogee, OK, Rusell Smith of Durant, OK and eight great-grandchildren. Merle is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
Merle moved to Bloomfield, NM in 1945 where he grew up on his parent's farm and attended school. He retired from BHP Minerals and moved to Red Mesa, CO where he ranched for several years. Merle's most enjoyable things in life were his two sons and all of his grandchildren. He liked fishing, hunting, ranching, good western movies, classic country western music, and drives in the mountains. He loved telling and hearing a good joke. Merle was a strong man with a big heart. He loved and was loved by many people. He will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes there will be no services held. Merle's wishes were for everyone to remember him for who he was and celebrate his life. To share condolences or memories, please visit: www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/MerleDPearce and also www.hoodmortuary.com