Obituary

Frederick Wesley Pierce “Wes” died in the arms of his loving family the evening of January 3rd, 2023 at the age of 91. Wes was a brilliant musician and recording artist; a Benedictine monastic priest, missionary, teacher, music director, husband, and father. Although he also served as an executive for several corporations, “Dad” was his favorite title. Wes Pierce was an amazing husband and father.?

His extraordinary life began as the son of a swamper and fisherman in the bayous of Acadiana. Wes was born in Berwick, Louisiana on February 17th, 1931 to Peter and Marietta Pierce. His childhood home was lit with kerosene lamps and warmed by a wood-burning stove. He began logging and fishing as soon as he could walk, and learned to play the guitar and bass fiddle. In the mid 1940’s, although not quite old enough, he joined the 156th infantry of the National Guard of Louisiana. In his late teens, working for a local radio station, KCIL, as part of the Southern Playboys band, he met recording artist Art Gibson. Wes was hired by Art, becoming the bass player for the Mountain Melody Boys. Known as “Red’ Pierce, he enjoyed performing and recording with Art Gibson, Don Johnson, Bob Flannery, Jenny Lou Carson, LuLu Bell and Scotty, and many others. Also playing the nightclubs of Chicago in the late 1940’s, Wes became the studio bass man for Bill Putman, Universal Recording in Chicago.?

With an awakening faith, Wes left the life of a recording artist to join the Order of St. Benedict in 1951. He earned Bachelor of Art in Philosophy from Saint Joseph Seminary College, A Bachelor of Science in Education from Loyola University, and a Master of Art in History from Notre Dame Seminary (Summa Cum Laude). He also furthered his education in the field of Economics (9 hours from a doctorate). Wes went on to be ordained as a priest in 1962.?

Wes served as a Benedictine monastic priest at Saint Joseph Abbey until 1971. During that time, he was sent to live and work as a missionary priest in Guatemala and formed many fond memories and friendships from that experience. In 1971 he petitioned for and received a dispensation from the priesthood from Rome. He married Susan Annette Blossman (Susan Pierce). Wes was a devoted and loving husband. They enjoyed many years of raising their four children and eleven grandchildren, traveling, and residing far and near. They have been blessed to enjoy a beautiful, loving life. They were married until his death, fifty-one years and eleven months.

Wes had a thirst for knowledge, and a sincere passion to bring people closer to God. He lived his life always taking care of others. One of his favorite sayings was, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for life.” Wes spent most of his life teaching his children and anyone who knew him to love God and serve others. He was an example of humility, generosity?and love. He continues to teach his children. Even in death, he is bringing them closer to God.?

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Peter Pierce, his sister and brother-in-law, Rita and John LaFleur, and his daughter, Sean-Perrin Pierce Parker. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Marjorie Pierce; wife, Susan Blossman Pierce; two daughters, Shane Pierce Glass (Melvin) and Shannon Pierce Ober (James); his son, Erin Patrick Pierce; and eleven grandchildren, Austin Ober, Hannah Ober Shrestha (Shiva), Lily Ober, Molly Ober, Emma Ober, Maren Glass, Kathlyn Glass, Laurelyn Glass, Brenynn Glass, Patrick Pierce, and Liam Pierce.?

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, LA 70457.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, LA 70457 on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM until service time. Interment will take place following the service at St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be a reception at Covington Country Club, 200 Country Club Drive, Covington, LA beginning at 4:00 PM.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.