James Robert Pierson (Bob), 82, of Landenberg, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21. He was the loving husband of Betty R. Pierson, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

He was the son of the late James and Margaret (Brandenberger) Pierson of Landenberg. He spent the majority of his life on the family farm in Landenberg, where he was raised, and inherited from his grandmother Brandenberger at a young age. He had a sense of pride knowing he could pass the farm along to his son, grandson, and great grandsons.

After graduating from Kennett High School in 1958, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963, where he maintained F-105 Thunderchief Fighter Bombers. He often spoke fondly of his service and being stationed near Las Vegas.

After leaving the Air Force, Bob obtained a position in Avondale, at F&M Scientific, which later became part of Hewlett-Packard Co in 1965. He married his dedicated wife, Betty, at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square in 1965, where they faithfully attended weekly, and are still members.

Bob soon realized that he would rather work for himself than a large company, so in 1969, he started J. Robert Pierson Inc., his own excavating and septic service business. He was owner/operator for 50-plus years, with his son, Mark, working diligently by his side from an early age onward. Bob expertly operated the dozer, while Mark flawlessly ran the backhoe on jobs.

In his pastime, Bob once enjoyed going on annual deer hunting trips to Potter County, attending Masonic Lodge meetings, and collecting tractors/equipment, which some would refer to as junk, but were future restoration projects to him. Always wanting to expand his knowledge in the wastewater industry, he looked forward to attending annual state and national conventions/trade shows with Mark, including the Pumper Show, in various US cities such as Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis. In his later years, Bob mostly enjoyed his evenings and weekends at home with Betty, their Yorkies, and rescued cats, watching the Eagles and their favorite TV shows. He was proudly a member of the New London Masonic Lodge, where he was a past master, the Kennett Masonic Lodge, the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, and Delaware Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association.

He is survived by his wife, Betty of Landenberg; his children, Mark D. Pierson (Lenna) of Landenberg, and Lesa R. Simpson (Kirk) of Oxford; his grandchildren (who lovingly called him Poppop), Heather Murphy (Sean) and M. David Pierson II (Monica), all of Oxford; his great grandchildren (who always brought an added sparkle to his eyes when they visited over the last 15 months), Malcolm and Marcus Pierson and Hope Murphy. He is also survived by his brother, William F. Pierson (Patricia) of Mechanicsburg, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their warm and heartfelt appreciation to the staff, skilled caregivers, and nurses at the healthcare facility where Bob resided for the past 15 months. The compassionate care and comfort you gave our Dad is valued beyond measure.

A viewing/visitation will be held on Nov. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 2 at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S Broad St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Interment with Masonic and Air Force honors will immediately follow the service at New Garden Friends Cemetery, 875 Newark Rd, New Garden, PA 19350.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square (PCKS), 213 S Broad St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Checks can be made payable to PCKS with ‘In Memory of Bob Pierson’ in the memo section.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Arrangements by the Foulk Funeral Home of Wet Grove, West Grove.