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Longtime Meeker cattleman Tom Pearce died Feb. 28, 2007, at his rural Meeker home.

Hal C. "Tom" Pearce was born May 8, 1928, in Rainbow, Utah, to Allan and Venice Pearce. He was a premature baby and was nicknamed "Tom Thumb," so he was called Tom the rest of his life.

Tom grew up in the Jensen, Utah area, and attended school in Jensen and later his freshman year in Vernal, Utah. In 1943, the family moved to Colorado to the ranch now known as Wakara. Tom graduated from Rio Blanco County High School in 1946.

Upon graduation, he went into the ranching business with his father. In 1961, Tom and his wife, Ruth, purchased their present ranch along the White River, where they and their family have raised quality commercial cattle ever since. In 1987, the Colorado Hereford Association honored Tom and Ruth as commercial breeders of the year.

Tom was one of the longest operating grazing permittees on the White River National Forest, running cattle up East Miller Creek for 58 years.

In 1950, Tom was united in marriage to Ruth Waechter, who was a teacher in the high school. To this union four children were born: Christine Ann, Hal W., Mark H., who died in infancy, and Denise Jean.

Tom was very active in the community, serving on many boards, including the White River Electric, Colorado Ute, Rio Blanco Stockgrowers, of which he was a past-president, Meeker Golf Association, Soil Conservation Board, Co-Op and many others. He was a member of the Rio Blanco, Colorado and National Cattlemen's Association.

Tom was an active member of Rio Blanco Lodge No. 80, AF&AM having served two terms as Master of the Lodge. He was also a member of the Rifle Elks Lodge No. 2195.

In addition to his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth, Tom is survived by three children: Christine of Laguna Niguel, California, Hal and his wife Nori of Meeker and Denise, also of Meeker; three grandsons, Tom, Jim and Matt. He is also survived by two sisters: Allene Ingersoll and her husband Bob of Yerington, Nevada, Beth Cooney and her husband Les of Craig; one brother Bob Pearce and his wife Elaine of Meeker, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his young son Mark, Tom is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Troy.

Funeral services were Monday at the Freeman Fairfield Community Center. Interment was in the Highland Cemetery under the direction of Cochran Memorial Chapel in Meeker.

Friends can make memorial contributions to either the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association or the Masonic Scholarship Fund through Rio Blanco Lodge #80, AF&AM. Contributions can be directed through Cochran Memorial Chapel, PO Box 1048, Meeker 81641.