Robert Dale Peirce, age 92, returned home on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.  He was born on September 24, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri with the given name of George Soutiea, Jr.  In 1939 at 7 years of age he was adopted by his much loved first grade teacher Helen Peirce and her husband Clifford Claude Peirce. He was then allowed to choose his new first name, so he changed it to Robert Dale. Robert grew up in Ohio and loved reading, fishing, sports and helping his parents in any way he could. He earned the nickname "Curly" because of his wavy blond hair and bright blue eyes. Robert had the unique ability to make friends anywhere he was and had many cherished lifetime friends.

After high school, Robert went to Ohio State College for two years. After that time and with the start of the Korean War, Robert enlisted in the Air Force serving from 1952 – 1956. During his time in the service, he met and married his wife, Caroline, while stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.  In 1954 he became a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remaining faithful the rest of his life.   In 1956 he and Caroline were sealed in the St George Temple

The last two years of service sent Bob to Okinawa, Japan. After coming home, he returned to Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio to finish his teaching degree. He loved working with the students and spent most of his 24 years teaching 5th and 6th grade plus Physical Education.  He also taught evening classes at the Lorain County Community College in Elyria on coaching sports. He and Caroline had four children and raised their family in Elyria, Ohio for 25 years. Softball was always his favorite sport. Many family outings found them at the local ball fields or the family cottage on Lake Erie.  In his later years he enjoyed participating in "The St. George Senior Games".   He played softball into his 80's and then switched to pickle ball.

Besides teaching, Robert painted houses in the summer, and devoted much time to many church callings.  He and Caroline served a mission in the Philippines and had a soft spot for all missionaries.

Robert, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather is survived by his wife, Caroline; daughter, Jan (Steve) Heffernan; son, Rick (Cindy) Peirce; son, Keith (Jan) Peirce; grandson, Christopher (Lanea) Heffernan; granddaughters: Taryn (Bridger) Curtis, Natasha Heffernan, Brenna (Matt) Hansen,  Lauren (Jared) Romney, Rianne (Devin) Berry, Jessica  (Alexander) Turner, Kellie Peirce; and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by twin daughter, Jean Anne Peirce DeBry.

Funeral services will be held on Monday August 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:00a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Bloomington 8th Ward Chapel, 3381 Mulberry Drive, St. George, Utah. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.