Darwin R. Pierson

Darwin Russell Pierson, age 92, passed away at his home near Genoa, Nebraska on January 4, 2019.

He was born September 23, 1927 on a farm near Clarks, Nebraska, to William and Gladys Pierson. He started rural school near Clarks. The family moved to a farm near Genoa, where he attended the one-room grade school Dist. 13, and worked on the farm.

He graduated Genoa H.S. in 1944, then studied business at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  He interrupted his college education to join the Navy during World War II.  After the war, he finished his business degree at UN-L.

On December 25, 1949 he married Connie Kay Plantz at the Genoa Methodist Church.  Together, they raised three sons.

Darwin lived his life as a business entrepreneur.  He sold insurance and real estate, owned a bicycle business in Columbus, NE, and started Bedrock Oil Co. and Diamond Petrosearch.  In the 1990's, Darwin and Connie moved from Columbus to McCook, NE, where they owned Golden Eagle Drilling.

Darwin engaged in social and philanthropic organizations including the Columbus Country Club, Elks, Masons and the Shriners Pawnee Motor Corp.  He was on the Platte Co. Ag Board and a leader with the Trailsmen 4-H Horse Club.

His interests included family activities, hunting and snow skiing.

Darwin was preceded in death by grandparents, Nels and Sophia Pierson, Emil and Ada Hamilton, parents, William and Gladys Pierson, and his grandson, Heath Pierson.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Connie, his brother Eugene, his sons, Brad, Brooke and Brian, and their families.

A private family Memorial Service will be held on Memorial weekend with the Rev. Murry Jay Johnston officiating.