John Henry Pearson

Beloved husband of the late Betty Jean Goodson Pearson entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

All services will be private, with Albert Samuel Couch III, Herman Resch, Tommy Moran, Jerry Bordelon Pearson, and James Bordelon Pearson serving as pallbearers. William B. Rogers, Paul Victor Nestberg, Dr. Vincent W. Petraroli, and Ole "OB" Smith will serve as honorary escorts.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel.

Cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend, he was born June 15, 1935, in Russellville, Kentucky, the son of the late William Bradley Pearson and the late Inez Olivia Dillahay Pearson.

A proud member of what has often been called the Greatest Generation, he exemplified duty, sacrifice, perseverance, and quiet strength throughout his life. He served GOD in humility and faithfully served his country for 33 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant and First Sergeant. A combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for courage and service beyond self. Though honored for his military accomplishments, he was most deeply valued for his steadfast love of family and friends, humble spirit, unwavering patriotism, and enduring faith. Like many of the Greatest Generation, he believed duty was not spoken of, but lived.

Papa John sought to live his life according to the principles of faith, humility, service, and love of neighbor. He quietly supported those in need, encouraged the downhearted, and extended dignity to the downtrodden without seeking recognition for himself. His generosity was sincere, humble, and freely given, reflecting a life marked more by service than by praise.

He was predeceased by his daughter Phillis Norean Kittle Staton, and is survived by John Wesley and Nenita Pearson of Washington, DC; Pamela Jean and Jerry Pearson of Wasilla, Alaska; and Jay Adam Pearson of Greenwood, South Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren, James Stacy Kittle and Jeb Stuart Kittle of Ringgold, Georgia; Robert James Bordelon Pearson of Manassas, Virginia; Samuel Adam Pearson and Pattie Jean Pearson of North Pole, Alaska; and Amanda Gale Pearson and Whitney Nichole Pearson of Connecticut. He is further survived by 14 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and his special friends, Walter "Cal" and Laura Disher of Harleyville, South Carolina.

"The legacy of honorable men endureth through the lives they touched." SDGJAP

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 33626, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

When My Morrow Comes

If on the morrow my summons arrives

Each Foe, Fiend, and Friend unaware

With the glamour of youth now archived

In Yester Year’s days of folly and snare

Our very lives Inexplicable, Deplorable,

Bewildering, and need of repair

Behold Grace is Free and adoptable

The prophets of ole did share

The trodden path embarked in strife

With vim and vigor, no need to scare

Hallelujah, HIS mercy saved my life

All Heaven’s Angels did declare

How oft mortality’s prompts are Just

Crossing our path by plumb and square

In toiling pleasure from dawn to dust

Does anybody care?

When the sunset arrives one morning

In empty shadows of desires shared

The pride of wealth no longer adoring

Will anybody care?

When an’ where my course is run

By Gabriel’s loud trumpet call

The proud disdain of life undone

Will, anyone my life recall?

For when my morrow comes

My ransomed soul HIS heir

Saved from death’s bitter outcome

A testimony to all, Yes my JESUS cares

Soli Deo Gloria