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Caldwell veteran Delbert ‘Okie’ Pierce shares life advice on 102nd birthday

Idaho Press-Tribune - 2/22/2017

CALDWELLArmy veteran Delbert Pierce never thought he’d see the day that he would turn 102 years old.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Pierce turned 102 years old on Feb. 22.

Pierce’s 90-year-old neighbor June Winder, who lives across the street, baked him a heart-shaped cake, covered in white frosting, to celebrate the occasion.

The Winders and Pierce have been neighbors for about 20 years. They would go to American Legion breakfasts together, where Pierce would help serve the food.

“He likes to work, and he likes people,” June Winder said. “He’d help out there as much as possible.”

Being 102, Pierce has slowed down in some of his activities. After his knees began to hurt and his eyesight worsened, he had to give up bowling.

“I’d always hit the wrong ones,” Pierce said with a smile.

Pierce also doesn’t garden or do yard work anymore, two activities he enjoyed.

It was only last year, at age 101, that he was told he couldn’t drive anymore by a veterans services eye doctor.

Pierce just said, “Gosh darn.”

Pierce lives alone, but his son, Gene Pierce, visits him every day. June Winder’s husband, Dick Winder, and Pierce spend quite a bit of time together.

“The fact that he lives alone is unfortunate,” Dick Winder said, “But that he’s able to live alone, that he can live by himself, it’s marvelous.”

In honor of his birthday, Pierce is going to have a low-key day.

He and his family had a big celebration when Pierce turned 100 years old. There’s a photo of Pierce, in an Army uniform, that says, “I’m 100 years old. What’s your super power?”

FARM BOY TO ARMY MAN

Pierce was born on a farm in Oklahoma — hence the nickname “Okie” given to him by his Idaho friends — Feb. 22, 1915.

Living on the farm, Pierce always ate hearty, whatever he wanted and however much of it he wanted, lifestyle habits to which he attributes his longevity. Pierce is the second-youngest of nine children.

During his time in the Army, while World War II was going on, Pierce served in a medical outfit for 18 months, followed by being stationed at a Utah prisoner of war camp.

“He’s been a great citizen to this country, for his service,” Dick Winder said.

Pierce was honorably discharged Dec. 15, 1945. After his service, among other odd jobs, Pierce worked with Dairyman’s Creamery for seven years, the state highway department for a year-and-a-half and nine years for the Scenic Service Station, which is a farmer’s co-op.

Pierce was stationed in Boise at Gowen Field when he met Doris Post, who lived in Caldwell.

They were married in 1943, while Pierce was still in the Army, across the street from the Crookham Seed Factory in Caldwell. As a couple, they would frequently go out to dinner, followed by dancing, on Friday and Saturday nights.

The wedded Pierces decided to stay in Caldwell, because Doris Post lived there, and Delbert Pierce liked Idaho’s climate. They had two sons.

“He raised a family, and they’ve all been good citizens by participating in the community, by making it a better place to live,” Dick Winder said.

Doris Pierce died in 2010. They were married close to 70 years.

When asked what life advice he would give, Pierce responded, “Greet everybody with a smile and make ‘em laugh.”

Delbert "Okie" Pierce, a Caldwell resident and World War II veteran, celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday. When asked what life advice he would give, Pierce responded, “Greet everybody with a smile and make 'em laugh.”

Chris Bronson/IPT

Delbert "Okie" Pierce, a Caldwell resident and World War II veteran, celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday. When asked what life advice he would give, Pierce responded, “Greet everybody with a smile and make 'em laugh.”

Chris Bronson/IPT

Delbert "Okie" Pierce celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday.

Chris Bronson/IPT

Delbert "Okie" Pierce celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday.

Chris Bronson/IPT

Delbert "Okie" Pierce celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday.

Chris Bronson/IPT

Delbert "Okie" Pierce celebrates his 102nd birthday on Wednesday.

Chris Bronson/IPT