Robert Lee Pierce
July 19th, 1932 – October 19th 2022
Dr. Robert Lee Pierce passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the age of 90.
He leaves behind two children, Kathryn (Brandon) Banks, Benjamin (Connie) Pierce, his partner,
Cathy Rauch, and her three children Drew (Sanghee Moon) Williamson, Nate (Emily)
Williamson, and Chris (Aki Mujic) Williamson. Dr. Pierce was preceded in death by his oldest
daughter, Penni Pierce-Monroe. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Malcolm Monroe,
Morgan Monroe, Charlotte Banks, Colin Banks, Max Williamson, Jack Williamson, Ruth
Williamson, Nikola Williamson, and one great-granddaughter, Chloé Gottfried.
Born in 1932 in San Bernardino, California, to Eula and Emmett Pierce, Dr. Pierce was the
youngest of three boys, Tyree, Calvin, and Bobby, as he was known. With the loss of his mother
when he was just 2 ½ years old, childhood was not easy, but he found joy with his brothers and
in sports – track and field and football. Known as Bullet Bob for his speed, he enlisted in the
United States Navy in 1951. He served on the U.S.S. Bremerton (CA-130) and was honorably
discharged in 1955. Upon his return stateside, he enrolled in Cal Poly and earned a BS in 1962.
He moved to St. Louis to pursue an MSW at The George Warren Brown School of Social Work,
graduating in 1969 and soon thereafter joined the faculty. In 1979 he earned his Ph.D. from the
same. For 32 years Dr. Pierce taught at the Brown School, with his research and teaching
focused on child welfare, prostate cancer, and diversity training. Though retired as of 2003, he
continued his work with the school as a Professor Emeritus, traveling across the country to
recruit students.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed his family and friends. He loved golf and thoughtful walks around
Forest Park. In retirement he became a dedicated volunteer at the now-shuttered Soup Kitchen
at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. Every week, for years, he and a small, but
hardy, group of volunteers would gather to help make sure local community members had a
dignified hot meal and the opportunity to access health care and other services. His good works
can be counted in the smiles of those who remember him. Although he ultimately ended up
living in St. Louis longer than San Bernardino, California was always Bob’s spiritual home, and in
his mind, the only place to get a decent taco.
Services: A Celebration of Life will take place at First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, 5007
Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, at 2pm on November 19, 2022.
The service will be live streamed at: https://youtu.be/WHrDIR1p2PA for those who are unable to join in person.
In addition, a service will be held in 2023 in California.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Louis Area Food Bank, https://stlfoodbank.org or any local charity of your
choice.
Eleanor Roosevelt stated “Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Bob was a great friend and the big brother I wished I had. He was a great mentor to me during our time together on the faculty at GWB School. Our friendship spanned 30 years plus. Bob had a great sense of humor. I shall miss our phone calls, his friendship and great sense of humor.
Bob was my very first advisor and mentor at GWB (WashU( in 1988-89. He was such a wonderful and caring teacher and human being. I am honored to have known him, having his old office for about 16 years— he will be greatly missed.
It was very sad for me to learn of Dr. Bob’s passing! Even though I was only a master’s student of his and helped in his research lab at GWB for three years from 1990 to 1993, I corresponded with Dr. Bob periodically via email until 2018. His compassion for those in need, his humor, and his wisdom have continued to model for me what a consummate professional looks like. I know Dr. Bob battled various ailments in later years, but he was a staunch trooper who never lost his courage and adoration of his partner, children, and grandchildren. Whereas it is difficult to bid farewell to Dr. Bob, it brings comfort knowing that he will dwell forever in the hearts of those who love him.