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Robert K. Pearce, Sr.

Reverend Mr. Robert K. Pearce, Sr. was welcomed into his eternal reward on August 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving children at the Beehive in Columbia Falls.

Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania on March 13, 1928, he married Mary Lou Smith in September of 1948. They lived among friends and family in New Jersey for 45 years before moving to the Flathead in 1992. Married for nearly 70 years before Lu Lu’s passing in 2018, they raised three loving children: Bob, Jr. (Lynn) and Doni Landwehr (Jim) both of Columbia Falls; and Kathy Schulte (Bob) who resides in Missoula. Over the years, his family grew to include nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, assuring his exemplary life of love and service would live on in spirit for many years to come. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in Tupelo, Mississippi on July 24, 1982 and served the people of St. Richard’s and the community of Columbia Falls for his 27 years in the valley.

Deacon Bob was also an accomplished businessman and exceptional engineer. After serving two years in the Army in Korea, he returned to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering and then a master’s in Industrial Engineering from Seton Hall University, all while working full time to support his young family. Most notably, he developed sophisticated processes and metallurgical components while working at RCA, which ultimately contributed to powering our early satellites at NASA, and for which he earned several patents. He left RCA in 1972 and moved to the furniture industry where he excelled as a manufacturing engineer. He was instrumental in developing the “Quality Circles” programs in the ‘70s, designed to improve manufacturing processes and reduce product imperfections. When he wasn’t working he could be seen supporting his kid’s and grandkid’s academic interests, sports endeavors and hobbies. Over the years, he was also known to roll a bowling ball, shuffle a deck of cards, wet a line and swing a golf club once and awhile.

He was, above all, a dedicated follower of Christ, a lover of God and neighbor; he walked the walk everyday as a member of the clergy and as the head of his family. He was a brilliant and loving man, honorable and selfless. He will be missed by family and friends alike.

Services have already taken place. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Richard’s Building Fund. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.