Daniel Ralph Pierce, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, after a courageous 11-year battle with liver cancer. He was 80 years old. Surrounded by love, he joined his parents, brother, and other family members who went before him.

Daniel was born on March 2, 1945, in Seeley, Imperial County, California, to Elmer Levi Pierce and Ila Mae Bradford. He was the younger brother of James Elmer Pierce and older brother of Helen Ruth Pierce. Daniel faced profound loss early in life, losing his father at age nine and his mother at age eleven. He lived with his half-sister, Norma Lee, and her husband, Clyde McDonald, until he graduated from high school.

In 1962, Daniel enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning what would become a defining chapter in his life. He attended electronics school and radar training at NAS Oceana in Virginia, specializing in the maintenance of radar systems of F-4 Phantom II jet fighter systems. While Daniel served aboard the USS Enterprise and USS America, he worked on the flight decks bringing in and sending off fighter jets, traveling the world and visiting ports in Karachi, Pakistan; Sydney, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Malta; and Rota, Spain. He was honorably discharged in June 1966.

While serving in the Navy, Daniel joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 27, 1962—a decision that would deeply shape the rest of his life. Following his military service, he attended Brigham Young University and prepared to serve a mission for the Church in the Great Lakes Mission, covering Michigan and Indiana.

On December 18, 1971, Daniel married Koelyn Sorensen. Together they welcomed five children: Reuben Daniel, Hollyann, James Levi, Cameron Mark, and Koelynn. Daniel graduated from Brigham Young University in 1972. Though their marriage ended in 1985, they remained united in their love for their children and family.

Daniel had a lifelong passion for building and flying gas-powered model airplanes. His curiosity, precision, and creativity were evident in every plane he designed and flew.

On November 10, 1995, Daniel married his eternal companion, A. Ann Pierce, for time in the Salt Lake City Temple. On May 25, 1996, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple. Through this union, Daniel's family grew to include Ann's six children: George Donald (Donnie) III, Jenne', Mikel Evans, Denten Evans, Brandon Evans, and Shantel.

Throughout his life, Daniel faithfully served in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His gentle spirit, steady faith, and warm friendship touched the lives of all who knew him.

Daniel is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, A. Ann Pierce; his children Reuben, Hollyann & Steve Rutledge, James, Cameron & Abby, and Koelynn & Bryce; his stepchildren Donnie & Amy Eldredge, Jenne' & Val Hunter, Mikel & Wendy Eldredge, Denten & Laurel Eldredge, Brandon & Rachel Eldredge, and Shantel & Derrick Pack; 29 grandchildren—Callie, Zachary, Rachel, Samuel, Adam, Drake, Daniella, Elizabeth, Samantha, Dallas, Aija, Morganne, Tryston, Macay, Magen, Sawyer, Mikella, Joe, Gabe, Bryce, Bradley, Ashley, Kevin, Isabel, Elliot, Hazel, Kolby, Damian, and Addison—and 19 great-grandchildren.

Daniel's life was one of faith, love, service, loyalty and perseverance. His memory will forever be a blessing to those who were privileged to know him.

He was laid to rest in the Alpine Cemetery.