Dennis Clell Pierson

Dennis Clell Pierson (affectionately known as D'dad), age 81 of Irving, Texas, passed away on April 29, 2020, in Denton, Texas.

A private graveside service was held on Monday, May 4, 2020, at Cherokee Municipal Cemetery with Pastor Bryan Laramore of the First Baptist Church officiating under the direction of Lanman Funeral Home Inc. in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

Dennis was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Lee Clell and Theone Pierson on October 30, 1938. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1958, attended NWOSU and received his associate degree in electronic engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1964. Following graduation, he worked for McDonald Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri, before later returning to Cherokee and working for Sears Home Appliance Company, and Pierson's TV and Electronics.

Feeling led by God, he moved to Irving, Texas, in 1977 to attend Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. Dennis accepted Christ at an early age and loved the Lord. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school, working in the church bus ministry and preaching on occasion. While attending Bible College he held various management positions in hotel security, including being director of security at the Loews Anatole Hotel, Adam's Mark, Marriott of Las Colinas, and Gaylord Texan in Grapevine where he retired in 2016. During his tenure, he received numerous awards for his leadership and service including Manager of the Year at the Anatole. His greatest accomplishment was his passion for being a witness to those who didn't know the Lord. If you ever had the opportunity to meet this special man, your life was blessed.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Clell and Theone Pierson of Cherokee, and daughter-in-law Judith Pierson of Irving, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linnea Pierson; daughter Lori Sullivan and husband Steve of Krum, Texas; two sons, Scott Pierson of Irving, Texas, and Todd Pierson and wife Anita of Andover, Kansas; brother Dr. Duane Pierson and wife Carol of Point Blank, Texas; grandchildren Jamie Sullivan, Jennifer Akins and husband Clint, Abigail Pierson, Brijida Pierson and Axis Pierson; five great-grandchildren, Brooke Thiem, Hunter Thiem, Caylee Akins, Ceegan Akins and Chance Akins; numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be given to Cure Alzheimer's Fund (www.curealz.org) in his memory. The family of Dennis wish to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Senior Care Health of Denton and Trio Hospice for their compassion, care and kindness.