Donald D. Pierce, age 79, of Brookings, died Saturday, December 16, 2006, at Brookview Manor in Brookings. Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 22, 2006, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Don was born in Bruce, South Dakota, on August 3, 1927, to Merle and Ruth (Norstrum) Pierce. He received his education at Bruce. Don farmed on his own for awhile, later working for a few farmers in the area. In his younger years he calf roped in rodeos and developed a great love of horses. On January 10, 1964, Don married Mardis Dawson, in Brookings. He and his wife moved to Ree Heights, South Dakota, and worked for a cattle rancher for nine years. For the next four years they lived in Redfield, South Dakota, where they managed the Coachmen Inn. Don and Mardis moved back to Brookings, where Don worked for a farmer. In 1994 he retired from farming and worked part-time at the Brookings Park and Recreation Department, until fully retiring in 2004. Survivors include his wife,Mardis of Brookings, one son, Larry Pierce of Gwinner, North Dakota, ex daughter-in-law, Melanie Pierce, one daughter, Valerie (Brad) McManus of Brookings, six grandchildren: Courtney, Nick and Austin Pierce of Volga, Jamie, Devin, and Mason McManus of Brookings; three sisters: Bonnie Pierce, Arlene Mohror, and Dorothy Loban, all of Brookings, one aunt, Cecelia Shelley of Estelline, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lester (Bud) Pierce, sister-in-law, Elaine Pierce, and brother-in-law, Dennis Loban.