Francis M. "Stub" Pearson

Stub Pearson, age 87, of Council Bluffs passed away at his home on January 31, 2014. Stub was born February 15, 1926 in Anderson County, Kansas. He graduated from Fairbury High School and later from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska where he met his wife, Ruth. They were married on October 19, 1946. Stub enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17. He served during World War II in Squadron VMB 612 as an airborne RADAR technician on B-25 bombers, engaging in the battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He remained active in attending and organizing squadron gatherings including the 50th reunion. Stub worked at Phillips Petroleum Company for 25 years. He retired from Warren Distribution as executive vice-president. Stub was a member of several organizations including Excelsior Masonic Lodge, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, long time member of Rotary, Tangier Shrine, Harmony Chapter Eastern Star, Straddler Camping Club, Holiday Rambler Camping Club and Tangier Shrine Camping Group. Stub was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and two infant sons. Stub is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Pearson; son, James R. Pearson (Debra); grandchildren, Penny Matuszeski (Rob), J.R. Pearson, Kelly Copeland (Tina), Andrea Davis, David Pearson (Liz); 11 great grandchildren. Masonic Service is Monday at 6:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Funeral service is Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment is in Memorial Park Cemetery will Military Honors at the grave. Memorials are suggested to the Masonic Building Fund, Harmony Chapter Eastern Star Scholarship Fund or Our Saviors Lutheran Church.