Obituary of Kenneth Blake Pearce

Kenneth Blake Pearce, M.D., 86, died Monday, February 12, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas.Ken, “Spec” as he was known to friends, lived a life legends are made of. Born November 18, 1931 in Crane, Texas to Joseph Segal Pearce and Mittie Priscilla Pearce. He was the youngest of five children. The family later moved to Waco, Texas. There he was a member of the Waco High State Champions Football team, a Texas Relays champion runner, as well as a Golden Gloves welterweight champion.Following graduation from Waco High School, Ken played football at Arlington State before finishing his degree at Baylor University. While in school he worked at his family’s oil company, Hudson Oil. After college, he attended Tulane University where he earned his Medical Degree as well as a Masters in Pharmacology. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Adele Maguire. During medical school and residency in Wichita, Kansas, Ken and Nancy had six girls in five years, Anne, Brenda, Nancy, Dede, Mary and Blake. The family settled in Fort Worth, Texas where Ken started practice as an Anesthesiologist and had resided until his death.During his career, Dr. Pearce served as Chief of Staff and a Board of Trustee at Huguley Medical Center and Chief of Anesthesia at All Saints Hospital. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Tarrant County Medical Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Texas Society of Anesthesia. He was an avid golfer, made three hole-in-one shots and played regularly with golfing great and good friend Ben Hogan. He also served as Board of Governors at Shady Oaks Country Club and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War.In addition to taking tremendous joy in raising his daughters with his beautiful wife, he spent much of his time quietly giving back to others in the community. He put twenty people through school, many single parents. He did this without telling anyone. When asked by a student why he offered to do this, he responded “because you deserve the ability to go make something of yourself.” He had a wonderful sense of humor and a signature laugh. Ken cherished his time with his many grandchildren, and was always available for a life lesson or ride on his red Rolls Royce golf-cart. His strong character and love will remain a lasting legacy on those he touched while he was here.Ken is preceded in death by his parents Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Mittie Pearce; siblings Mr. Joseph Pearce Jr., Mrs. Midge Hill, Mrs. Clara Pace; and two beautiful daughters who were taken too early, Brenda Pearce, and her twin, Nancy Pearce.He is survived by his wife, Nancy; four daughters and their families, Mrs. Anne and Dr. James Reeves of Oklahoma City, OK, Mrs. Susan “Dede” and Dr. Todd Samuelson of Fort Worth, TX, Mrs. Mary and Mr. Paul Lea, Esq. of Covington, LA, Mrs. Nancy “Blake” and Dr. Andrew Quinn of Houston, TX; sister Mrs. Louise Carlisle; 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.