Stephen Shoemaker Pierson

The family of Stephen Shoemaker Pierson, 73, of Seymour, sadly announces his passing on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020.

He was born in Camden, N.J. to the late Howard Wilson and Mary (Shoemaker) Pierson Doyle.

On Feb. 24, 2002, he married Norma Arlene (Scott) Pierson.

Stephen received his bachelor of political science at Northwestern University in 1970. He then served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1977.

Upon returning from military service, Stephen obtained his doctor of jurisprudence at the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis in 1979, the same year he obtained his license to practice.

His first job, beginning in 1979, was as deputy prosecutor of Putnam County. He was the Jackson County prosecutor from 2003-06, and, in 2007, Stephen opened his own law practice. He faithfully served his community in the legal profession until his retirement in 2016.

Stephen was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He was the New Jersey state wrestling champion while in high school and continued wrestling in college. He was also on the chess team at Northwestern University.

Stephen loved everything about the Civil War and was quite a historian of that period. He also enjoyed acting, appearing in performances at the Putnam County Playhouse.

The greatest joy in Stephen’s life was his family and his time spent with them.

Stephen will be missed by his wife, Arlene; children Ann (Jason) Pierson D’Angelo and Alexander Pierson; stepchildren Teresa (Tim) Boyd, Kellie (Jim) Scott and Steven (Shannon) Guinn; one grandchild; nine step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Benjamin Pierson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffrey Pierson.

Funeral services will be held at Voss & Sons Funeral Service, Seymour, on Monday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Andrew Currao, Rev. Joseph Barlau and Rev. Ralph Blomenberg officiating. The service will be available on the funeral home Facebook page as a live stream video.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with full military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled Veterans 47, Korean and Vietnam veterans, all of Seymour.

Family and friends may call at Voss & Sons Funeral Service from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 and Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Face masks are respectfully required at all services.

Memorials may be written to Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.

Please visit the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com to give your condolences.