Franklin Arthur “Bud” Pierson, Jr., 79, of North Platte, NE, died Monday, October 28, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Bud was born September 14, 1934, to Franklin Arthur Sr., and Catherine Mary Statez Pierson at Gering, NE. He grew up in North Platte, went to St. Patrick’s High School and graduated from North Platte High School. Bud started working for the Union Pacific Railroad while still in high school then joined the U.S. Army in 1957. Following his discharge in 1959, he returned to North Platte and the UP Railroad from which he retired in 1995.

On December 6, 1959, Bud married Gwen Rae Foust in North Platte where they made their home and raised their four children.

Bud was active in many groups. He was President of the Junior Old Timers, Thunderbirds Radio Control Flying Club and Aqua-Sharks Diving Club where he was a certified diving instructor. He was Secretary of the Platte River Sportsman Club, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Machinists Union, President and Vice President of the local AFL-CIO and a member of the American Legion P.R. Halligan Post #163. Bud was also a National Biplane Champion and go cart racer as well as a Ham Operator and started the local club.

Survivors include his children, Cathy Cunningham and Bob (Lisa) Pierson, all of North Platte, James Pierson (Ralf VonFroisberg), of Omaha, NE and Tim (Lydia) Pierson, of Kearney, NE; seven grandchildren, Lindsey (Jeremy) Loomis, Kenny Cunningham (Sara Palmer), Kortni, Trent, Trey, Josh and Sophie Pierson; two great-granddaughters, Grace and Ava Loomis; his brother, Richard (Carol) Pierson, of Lincoln, NE; and other family.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, in 2009; and his parents, Franklin, Sr. and Catherine.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Father Robert Scheiblhofer of St. Barnabas Parish in Omaha officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. The family has established a memorial. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.