Chris Andrew Gabriel Pierson
October 14, 1961 ~ October 25, 2020
Chris Andrew Gabriel Pierson
October 14, 1961 - October 25, 2020
Wichita, Kansas - 59, son, brother and uncle, passed away October 25, 2020. Chris was born to Charles H. Pierson, Jr. and Marguerite “Peggy” Pierson in St. Joseph, Missouri, on October 14, 1961. He was a devout Catholic - loved the church, loved God, and was always ready to lead the prayer at the family dinner table. A graduate of Helen Davis School in St. Joseph, Missouri, and through his work at Starkey in Wichita, Kansas, Chris achieved many things in life, and more importantly had a zest for life. Performing in front of over 70,000 viewers from all over the world, Chris medaled in swimming at the 1983 Sixth International Summer Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, LA. Chris loved the spotlight! Everyone knew him, he was great at remembering everyone's name, and was known as a ladies’ man. And if you didn’t know Chris, he wasn’t too shy to walk right up and introduce himself - “Hi, I’m Chris!” He was also an exceptional dancer, clearing the floor with his famous breakdancing moves. And oh, how he loved Halloween, especially when sporting a Batman or Elvis costume! We will miss Chris’ radiant smile and positive outlook, but know he is now home with God and blessing us from above. Chris is preceded in death by his father, Charles H. Pierson, Jr., and is survived by his mother, Marguerite “Peggy” Pierson; his sisters, Denise Shepperd and Michelle Pierson, and brother, Dr. Charles H. Pierson III (Dr. Caren Windle). The service will be a family only event, but we look forward to a post-COVID Life Celebration for Chris when the time is right. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Starkey. Arrangements by Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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Godspeed Chris. A beautiful butterfly now free of its binding cocoon.
My condolences to Peggy and family. A mother’s heart is broken and I’m standing helpless next to you. There’s nothing that I can say to take the pain away. All that I can do is pray and thank God for the gift of Chris to all of us. Rest In Peace. Mary
I knew Chris for upwards of a year when he lived at Starkey and I had always enjoyed being around him. I would see him several times per week. He loved a good story, especially the Wizard of Oz . . . Oh how it stirred something up in him! He loved a good ice cream sunday and a big slice of cool watermelon, too, and just generally he was a pleasant person to be around! His friends there at Starkey I think would all agree with this assessment. He was also quite a talented swimmer, winning a number of medals in International Special Olympics! He traveled quite a bit around the country and even internationally mostly for swim meets and met a lot of people along the way and I know he had a great time doing these many things and meeting people along the way. Chris would probably scold me too if I were remiss in mentioning is avid support of the WSU Shockers team. He would smile and sit up proud whenever he had his Shockers colors on!! His family was always very supportive of his activities and continued to keep in touch with him on a regular basis after he retired from swimming. I definitely enjoyed him as a person and will always remember him fondly. I was shocked and saddened by his passing but I believe that when we’re touched by another’s friendship that they never truly pass away but a part of them carries forward with us making us wiser and more aware. I’d very much like to think this is so with Chris Pierson! May he rest in peace.
Yes, Chris was a nice guy to be around and I enjoyed him a lot. Seems like he passed too soon!! Still miss him.
Never met a stranger. Always had a smile on his face and was several steps ahead of his trainers. Very recently he had developed an interest in The Wizard Of Oz. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Grace Larson