Gordon Henry Pierson

Gordon Henry Pierson 

October 6, 1943 – April 17, 2025

On Thursday April 17th heaven gained a loving husband, father, grandfather and great­ grandfather. Gordon Henry Pierson passed away peacefully with family at his side holding the strong hands that touched so many lives over his 81 years of life.

Gordon (Gordy) Pierson was born October 6, 1943, to Gordon William (Bud) and Josephine (Jo) Tamcke Pierson in Deer Lodge Montana. Gordy was the oldest of 6 children and revered by all of them. Growing up, he always had a job and worked until he was 12 years old mowing lawns and the Valley Ranch until he was 16. He then worked for the USFS as a fire lookout at the Blizzard Mountain, tower baking pies and watching over the mountains and trails, which he loved so much. Gordon graduated from Powell County High School in 1961 and started work for the Anaconda Company at the Smelter in Anaconda. He worked “on the hill” for 1 year then went to work for Cominco American in the Gimlet and Luke mines at Avon and the Brock Creek Mine at Garrison. In 1964 Gordy joined the MT Army National Guard spending 40 years proudly serving his country retiring as a highly respected 1st Sergeant. 

In 1970, Gordy started at MT State Prison doing what would end up being his passion as a meat cutter and butcher. He did this for 3 years before deciding to work full time at P & S meats with his father Bud. Gordy provided the best cuts of meat and slaughter services in Montana until 1989. Gordy then went to work for MT Fish Wildlife and Parks as a fisheries technician where he met his close friend Wayne Hadley. He retired from FWP in 2004 and became head of maintenance at the Old Montana Prison Museum using his vast knowledge and skills to make the museum functional and historically appealing for all to enjoy. He retired from the museum in 2019 to stay at home and take care of his wife Myra. Gordy spent his whole life hunting, fishing arid camping with Charlie, his boys and numerous other family and friends. He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award for 40 years of teaching Hunters Education to local children and adults. Gordy always had an English Bulldog by his side as his partner in crime.

Gordon married the love of his life Myra Jane Erickson on January 4, 1969. Over 56 years they raised three larger than life boys Gordy, Travis and Brant and all their friends.

Gordy is survived by his loving wife, Myra Pierson; oldest son, Gordon Jr (Sherrie) Pierson; youngest son, Brant (Heidi) Pierson; granddaughters, Skyla and llayna Pierson; grandsons, Andrew (Madison) Pierson, Branden Pierson; great grandson, Caizin Pierson; his baby sister, Sena Knight; nephew, Dennis (Courtney) Lietzow; niece, Nicole (Taylor, Juna and Temple) Ashby; adopted brothers, Wayne Irwin and Mike Rennfield; and brother-in-law, Dave Jette.

Gordon is preceded in death by his middle son, Travis Pierson; parents, Gordon William and Josephine Pierson; brothers, Bobby Joe, Edward, William Pierson and Charlie Smollack; sister, Debra Jette; and niece, Casi Jo Lietzow.

A military graveside service will be held at noon May 10th at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, 343 Conley Lake Rd, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, followed by a celebration of life to include pictures, storytelling, food and drink at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge, 230 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Gordon requested that donations be made to the Prison Museum or Veterans Food Pantry in lieu of flowers. Please bring pictures and stories to share.

Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.