Don C. Pierson Sr.

PIERSON, COONLEY, WILSON

Posted By: Karen AD (email)
Date: 4/21/2009 at 09:37:08

Don C Pierson was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 3, 1908. He was the oldest son of David T Pierson and Eunice L (Wilson) Pierson. He grew up in Red Oak, Iowa where he attended the public elementary and high schools.

Upon completing his schooling, he went to work for the Wilson Concrete Company of Red Oak. This manufacturer of concrete pipe was established by his grandfather, Charles H Wilson about 1905. Upon his grandfather’s death in 1920, his uncle, C Frank Wilson became president and manager of the company.

In 1931, Wilson Concrete Company purchased the Humboldt Gravel and Tile Company. Don was sent to Humboldt to manage the new acquisition.

In 1936, he purchased the plant from Wilson and renamed it Concrete Products Corporation. As time went on, the business expanded to include Humboldt Fence & Supply Co, manufacturers of snow fence, Iowa Sand & Gravel Co and Des Moines Concrete Pipe Co.

On September 5, 1931, Don and Ruth L Coonley of Red Oak were married. To this union were born two sons, Don C Pierson, Jr, born February 15, 1933 and William C Pierson, born January 2, 1936. Both boys attended Humboldt Public Schools and graduated from Humboldt High School.

Don Sr was active in community affairs in Humboldt. He was mayor from 1950 to 1952. In 1944, he served as chairman of a committee which successfully led to the approval of a bond issue to finance the building of Humboldt’s first swimming pool which opened in 1953. He also helped in efforts to build the hospital. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was also a member of the Masonic Temple, the Elks and the Shrine. He was given a Community Service Award in the early 1950’s. He was chosen as Boss of the Year by the Jaycees in 1962. He also helped establish the local chapter of DeMolay and served as its first adult leader. The family were members of the Congregational Church (now United Church of Christ).

Don was always active in Republican party politics. He served on the State Republican Central Committee in the 1950s, including a term as State Chairman from 1954 to 1957.

In 1962, he sold his business interests to the Zeidler Concrete Company of Waterloo. He represented Zeidler for three years before retiring and moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. In Arizona, he worked as a real estate broker until his death on March 23, 1988.

Prepared by Don Pierson, Jr
April 5, 2007