Thomas A. Pierce Sr., 57

MAGNOLIA - Thomas A. Pierce Sr. of Magnolia passed away peacefully Sunday, March 4, 2007, in Magnolia. He was 57.

Mr. Pierce was born June 9, 1949, in Wilmington.

He was employed with the former Deemer Steel Casting Co. in New Castle as a professional mechanic and welder.

Mr. Pierce worked for Bayshore Ford in New Castle as a diesel specialist after Deemer Steel closed and later for Helmark & Falcon Steel in Wilmington.

In his leisure time, he greatly enjoyed building engines and restoring classic cars, especially Fords, with his brother. He was also a fan of NASCAR and his favorite driver was Dale Jarrett. He liked spending time with his family and was a man of strong and honest emotions.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Julia Byrd, in 1993.

He is survived by his parents, Robert L. Sr. and Mary Pierce of Kirkwood; a twin brother and his wife, Robert L. Jr. and Patti Pierce of Bear; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas A. Jr. and Noelle Pierce of Smyrna; Gregory Pierce and his fiancée, Amanda Steigerwald of Dover; and August and Shanon Pierce of Magnolia; four grandchildren, Angel Richman of New Castle, Kaytlyn Steigerwald of Dover; Justin Pierce and Savannah Pierce, both of Magnolia; a fifth grandchild expected, Brooklyn Jade Pierce; his devoted caregiver and mother of his three sons, Jennie Pierce; his dog and best friend, Buttons.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 214 Clinton St., Delaware City.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 209 Washington St., Delaware City.

Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery.