Charles Wendell Pearson, Sr. Obituary (1921 - 2011)

Charles W Pearson (Charlie to all who knew him) was born to Charles R. Pearson and Claudine Moore in Edgar, Nebraska, October 18, 1921. He was called to the church triumphant on October 17, 2011 after a brief, painful fight with bone cancer. He is survived by his wife, Olivia Leimer Pearson; brothers, Robert (Scottsdale, AZ) and Eugene (Green Valley, AZ); sisters, Shirley Naill and Colleen Naylor (Wichita, KS); and children, Charles (Los Angeles, CA) and Karen (Tucson, AZ). Charlie and Olivia were blessed with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Their grandchildren are Jeremy Jacoby (Denver, CO), Charles Pearson (Orange, CA), Rebecca Carter (Fort Worth, TX), Erica Beyreis (Minneapolis, MN), and Kristi Pearson of (Los Angeles, CA). Their great-grandchildren are Christian Beyreis, Olivia Beyreis, Jessica Jacoby, Abigail Carter, Johanna Jacoby, Amelia Pearson, William Carter, and Audrey Pearson. When Charlie was an adolescent, his family moved from Emporia KS to Wichita, where his father was employed as a railroad engineer. During the depression, Charlie worked as a paperboy to help support the family. He was the middle child of five siblings, a happy boy with his Mom's sense of humor and a sometimes role of peacemaker. During his school years, he developed a love of reading and writing as well as a love of sports; especially baseball, basketball, football and golf. Charlie graduated from North High School in 1940. He married Olivia (Livie) Leimer in Wichita on December 13, 1941. Shortly after their marriage, he enlisted with the Army Air Corps, serving as a Second Lieutenant during WW2 from 1942-1945. Following the war, he attended the University of Wichita on the GI Bill. He earned his Bachelors degree in 1950 while working full time and supporting a family of four. He was recalled for the Korean Conflict in 1951 and served with the Strategic Air Command until 1953. Charlie, Livie and family moved to Denver, Colorado in 1953. Gates & Sons, Inc. hired him in 1954 as their only salesman. At his retirement in 1980, he was the National Sales Manager and Senior Vice President in charge of a local sales force and network of national distributors. During the Denver years, he was an active member of the Mile Hi Chapter - Optimist International club, serving as President, Vice President, and member of the Honor Club. Charlie and Livie joined Ports of Call, traveling to Europe, the Mediterranean, Mexico and the Caribbean. They were also avid Denver Bronco fans and season ticket holders until their move south. In 1980, he and Livie moved to Arizona joining brothers Bob, Gene and their wives (including Livie's sister Lindy) in the Villages of Green Valley. He and Livie enjoyed entertaining friends with gourmet dinners and an annual 12th Night party. During these years, Charlie began writing poems for the 12th night festivities and birthday sentiments for family and friends. Charlie loved music, singing and dancing. He taught his daughter and granddaughters how to "follow, not lead" on the dance floor. Charlie was an active member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. In Denver (Bethlehem) and Green Valley (Risen Savior) he served congregations faithfully in various roles as President of the congregation, Elder, and on stewardship boards. He is remembered by his family for his enduring faith in his Savior, his devoted love for his wife and children, his wisdom and ability to find humor in every situation.