Submitted by: Dan Rich

George M. Pearson

Jan. 12, 1920 - Feb. 21, 2001

South Bend Tribune 2/21/2001

George M. Pearson, 81, of Cypress Drive South, formerly of Holly Court, died at home on Wednesday morning, Feb. 21st. Born to George F. and Imogene (Ladson) Pearson on Jan 12, 1920, he was the eldest of six children. Raised in Petersburg, Ind., he came to South Bend, Ind., in 1938.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Shaw Pearson; and seven children, Bonnie (Kalvin) Waxman of Granger, Ind., Priscilla (William) McBeth of Buchanan, Mich., Jeffery (Donna) of Shelby Township, Mich., Peggy (Paul) VanLaere of South Bend, Richard of South Bend, Gail (James) Kestermeier of Granger and Gregg (Cathy) of South Bend. There are 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Robert (Jan) of Virginia and Richard (Gayla) of New Mexico; and by two sisters, Betty Shaw of South Bend and Nyla (Larry) Smith of Vincennes. He was preceded in death by a brother, Norman.

A World War II Army veteran, he served in the European theatre with the 69th Infantry Division, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. He was a staff sergeant in a heavy weapons company, and took pride in his service and the friendships forged under fire. Employed prior to and after the war by the Bendix Corporation, he began as a stock clerk and retired after 45 years in 1984 as a computer systems analyst. An avid basketball player and bowler, he remained active until sidelined by Parkinson's disease. He participated in Boy Scouting for many years, reflecting his great affinity for children, which they always recognized. If there was a baby in the room, it would end up in his arms. He was a member of the American Legion (Post 50), the Bendix Retirees Association, American Turners, and the 69th Infantry Division Association.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, with Rev. Donald Neely, associate pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday in the Hickey Funeral Homes, 17131 Cleveland Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation Inc., 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494.