Dale W. Pierson

Dale W. Pierson, 82, died Friday, June 2, at his home in Salem. Viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thur., June 8 at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Fri., June 9 at Summerville Cemetery in Summerville, Oregon.

Dale was born on October 6, 1923 in Grafton, Nebraska, to Sylvan and Vera (Bradley) Pierson. During his childhood he lived in Lyle, Wash., Hermiston, Ore., and Mt. Emily Camp, Union County, Ore., where he attended grade school. He graduated from La Grande High School in 1941.

Dale served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, in the European Theater. He was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge and a recipient of the Purple Heart. After completion of his military service, Dale attended Eastern Oregon College (now Eastern Oregon University) and graduated from Willamette University College of Law. He married Elenor Hayes on July 24, 1948 in La Grande.

Dale's favorite pastimes included golf, snow skiing, mountain climbing and flying; he had a private pilot's license. He also enjoyed watching sports on television, particularly baseball.

He is survived by his wife, Elenor of Salem; sister, Ruth Loock of La Grande; brother, Glen (Willamina) of Las Vegas; and a niece and nephew, Diana Nelson and Richard Pierson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Morris.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the organization of the giver's choice.