John Robert Fierce age 71 of Maryville, IL, born November 29, 1945 in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Saturday December 31, 2016 at Rosewood Care Center in Edwardsville, IL.

He was a retired railroad engineer having worked for L&Nwhich has since changed to CSX Railroad. He graduated high school from East St. Louis and then attended University of Illinois. He enjoyed golf, hunting, boating, swimming, woodworking, and was an Eagle Scout. He loved watching football and golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ammon and Dorothy nee Nuebling Fierce; a son, Frederick J. Fierce; and a brother, Richard Fierce.

He is survived by his wife Mary A. nee Jones Fierce, whom he married January 8, 1982.

Visitation will be from 11am to 1:30pm on Wednesday January 4, 2017 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 1:30pm Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Walther officiating. Burial will be in Buck Road Cemetery in Maryville, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Fred Fierce Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.