Anthony Maurice "Tony" Pierce, age 62 of Elwood, passed away suddenly on February 11, 2018 while on an extended vacation near Brandon, Florida after a full and vibrant life, and health complications.  Tony was born on October 2, 1955 in Elwood, the son of Maurice W. and Jacqueline K. (Elliott) Pierce.  He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Elwood until 8 ^th grade; graduated from Elwood Community High School in 1974 where he excelled in football and track; and attended William Penn College in Iowa.  Tony founded Tri-Timber, Inc., where he was honored to build and produce the doors at the Indiana State Capital Building for the State of Indiana.  He also worked most of his life in farming with Pierce Grain, Inc. in Windfall.  Tony was baptized in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood.  He married Julie VanHorn on June 17, 2017.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend - not just to his own children, but also to many people around him.  Tony was accomplished at singing and playing music, and had won numerous karaoke competitions through the years.  He enjoyed motorcycles and had many fun adventures with his wife to annual Sturgis motorcycle rallies.  Tony especially loved working on the farm and taking care of animals.  He will always be remembered for his smile and laugh; and how good he made people feel when he was around.  Many people can say, "to know Tony - is to love Tony".  He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Julie VanHorn of Kokomo; his children, Jacob (wife Kris) Miller of Miami, FL, Ashley (husband Alexei) Pierce-Ignatyeva of Karelia, Russia, and Alexander (wife Amanda) Pierce of Dover, OH; sister, Lucinda "Cindy" (husband Mick) Helping of Elwood; brother, Steve (wife Jody) Pierce of Windfall; cousin, Randy Pierce of Elwood; special family friend, Megan Weber of Greenfield; 4 wonderful grandchildren, Jacob and Dylan Miller and Connor and Charlotte Pierce; father & mother-in-law, Truman and Maxine Myers of Kokomo; several nieces and nephews; and many loving cousins.  Tony was preceded in death by his parents; son, Justin Miller; and best friend, John Walker.

A Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with members of his family leading the service.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Thursday prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  A reception dinner will take place following the memorial service at The Tin Plate Restaurant in Elwood around 4:00 PM.  All his friends and family are welcome to attend this reception dinner.  Burial of Tony's ashes will take place privately by his family at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.