Laurance Pierson

HENRY — Laurance C. “Larry” Pierson, 78, of Henry died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Heartland Health Care Center in Henry.

Born Feb. 1, 1931, in DePue to Palmer and Mary (Broline) Pierson, he married Mary Joan Longman Aug. 31, 1957, in Tiskilwa. She died July 24, 1991. He married Marie Smith Nov. 30, 1996. She survives.

He was a self-made businessman, owning Larry’s Barbershop in Peoria, Henry and Tiskilwa throughout his life. In 1975 he co-owned Larry’s Supper Club with his wife Mary Jo. Later he was salesman for Browning Ford in Princeton.

He was a Navy veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a 50-year member of Henry American Legion Post 323, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Henry and the Knights of Columbus, and was a charter member of the Charles Perdew Museum Association. He was active in the Tiskilwa Lion’s Club.

Surviving are three daughters, Laurie (Eldie) Hageman of Henry, Lisa (Rod) Smith of Overland Park, Kan., and Karen (Mark) Gerdon of Henry; four stepsons, Steve (the late Sue) Smith, Bob (Rita) Smith, Kevin (Cheri) Smith and Tim (Angie) Smith, all of Henry; one sister, Doris Sweeney of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Henry, with Father Tom Mizeur officiating. Burial will be in the Henry Cemetery, with military services conducted by the Henry American Legion.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. A prayer service will be at 4:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Larry Pierson Scholarship Fund.

The Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry, is in charge of arrangements.