Karl Grover “Buzz” Pierce was born in Salida, Colorado on August 10th, 1965 to Nancy Barnett and Ernie Pierce and he passed from this life on January 18th, 2018 in Killeen, Texas. When Karl was young, his family moved to Dewar, Oklahoma. He graduated from Dewar High School in May of 1983. He joined the United States Army on October 18th, 1983 and retired on June 30th, 2007. He rose to the rank of E-7 and served in numerous locations both in the US and overseas. Karl completed airborne training, received his jump wings and made numerous jumps. He was a senior aircraft crewman and was assigned as a crew member on a scout helicopter at the time of his retirement.
Karl joined the Texas Department of Public Safety on September 30th, 2007 and entered the D2007 Recruit Class. He graduated Recruit School on March 28th, 2008 and was assigned to the Killeen Sergeant Area. He transferred to the Lampasas Sergeant Area on March 1st, 2014 where he was serving at the time of his death. Karl married Linda Pruitt on March 28th, 2014 and they resided in Killeen. Karl enjoyed hunting and many other outdoor activities.
Karl is survived by his step-father Jay Whaley of Dewar, Oklahoma, sister Brenda Kuykendall and husband Mike of Moore, Oklahoma, step-brother Rick Whaley and wife Nataliya of Cleburne, Texas, step-sister Revonda Luttrell and husband Joe of Rendon, Texas, son, Bryce Pierce of Kansas City, Missouri, daughter Amber Pierce of Austin, Texas, step-son Grant Pruitt and wife Sara of Killeen, Texas, step-daughter Erika Halpain of Killeen, Texas, grandchildren Karly Pierce of Kansas City, Missouri and Kylie Pruitt of Killeen, Texas and numerous other relatives, friends and co-workers.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents.
The visitation will be on Tuesday, January 23rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Crawford-Bowers funeral home at 1615 South Fort Hood Street, Killeen.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 24th at 10:00am at the First Street Church of Christ at 201 West 1st Street in Lampasas.
Inurnment will be at a later date in Westlawn Cemetery, Henryetta, Oklahoma.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Baylee Faith Foundation.