Everett Ernest "Ed" Pearson, 78, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2011, at the Primrose Retirement Community Center in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his family. Memorial services will be at 1:30PM on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Yankton, SD with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. Visitation will begin at noon Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory with the family present.
Everett Ernest Pearson was born February 24, 1933, to Ernest and Nellie (Clay) Pearson at their home in Prairie Home, Nebraska. Everett graduated from the Ceresco High School in 1952 and then worked construction and at the Nebraska Ordnance Plant. On September 20, 1952, Everett married Wilma Cords at the St. Mary's Church in Davey, Nebraska and shared 59 years of marriage together.
In September, 1955, Everett began employment as a Nebraska State Correctional Officer where he worked at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, NE. Everett was then appointed to the position of Nebraska Highway Patrol Trooper on September 3, 1957 and his duty stations included Columbus, Randolph, and Plainview, Nebraska. Everett was promoted to Patrol Corporal on April 1, 1966, and transferred to Crofton, NE. In 1978, Everett was again promoted to the position of Patrol Sergeant and transferred to Norfolk, NE where he retired from the Nebraska State Patrol in September, 1987, after 30 years of dedicated service.
Over the years, Everett enjoyed hunting, camping, and was an avid fisherman. Everett had a passion for firearms and was once a member of the Upper Missouri Muzzleloaders Association. He also participated in sharpshooting competitions and won various awards. Everett and Wilma took yearly vacations traveling throughout the United States on their touring motorcycle, fortunate to visit most States during their travels. They were once members of the Northeast Nebraska Motorcycle Touring Club and the Nebraska Retreads. Everett and his family are also grateful for the care he received from the staff and care givers at the Primrose Retirement Community. Everett was appreciative for the friends he's made over the years. Everett's strength, integrity, and character throughout his life were inspiring to those around him. He will be greatly missed.
Grateful for having shared in his life are: his wife of 59 years, Wilma Pearson; his son, Larry (Cheryl) Pearson of Yankton, SD; his daughter Patricia Nohr of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter Gretchen (Ron) Slate of Yankton, SD; sister Maxine (Ray) Beethe of Greeley, CO; 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Nellie Pearson, sister Viola Sutton, and infant grandson.
Condolences can be forwarded to the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home at 601 West 21st Street in Yankton, South Dakota, 57078.
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