Ronald E. Pierce

Ronald E. Pierce, 71, New Castle, died Monday.

Born in Straughn, he was the son of Millard and Arrow (York) Pierce.

He worked as a barber, car salesman and auctioneer, owning Pierce's Barber Shop, Ron Pierce Auto Sales and Arrow Auction Co. for many years.

He was a 1955 graduate of Straughn High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He graduated from barber school in 1958 and auctioneering school in 1993.

He was a longtime member of First Christian Church.

He married Mary (Smelser) Pierce on Dec. 13, 1957, and she survives.

Other survivors include two children, Shari Neal and husband Tim, Spiceland, and Todd Pierce and wife Jacqueline, Cincinnati; two sisters, Barbara Bustle and husband Gerald, New Castle, and Wanda Stevens and husband Kenny, Greencastle; brothers Dale Pierce and wife Dona, Greencastle, Cecil Pierce and wife Janet, Putnamville, George Pierce and wife Carolyn, Straughn, Frank Pierce and wife Robin, Brownsburg, Tim Pierce and wife Barbara, New Castle, and Steve Pierce; and three grandsons.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Sarah Rubena Collins, and brothers Leland Pierce and Raymond Pierce.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church, 2000 Bundy Ave., New Castle. Burial will be at Circle Grove Cemetery in Spiceland.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Marshall and Erlewein Funeral Home.