William R. Pierson, 74, of Peru, Illinois died at 8:35 p.m. Oct. 3, 2012 in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Services in Hurst Funeral Home, La Salle. The Rev. Jennifer Wilson, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, La Salle, will officiate. Burial in Peru City Cemetery.

Mr. Pierson was born Jan. 30, 1938 in Sumner to Lavatt R. and Irene (Eagleson) Pierson. He married Marianne Faletti on June 20, 1959.

Mr. Pierson was an insurance agent for County Companies. He was a past member of Lake Thunderbird Bass Club and Peru Eagles. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Mr. Pierson is survived by his wife, Marianne of Peru; one son, Mark (Pam) Pierson of Dalzell; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Nick) Raef of Ladd and Bradley Pierson of Macomb; one great-grandson, Brayden Raef; and one sister, Dorothy (Harold) Millsap of Effingham.

He was preceded in death by his parents.