Christopher H. Pierce

Christopher H. Pierce, of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 16, 2014. He was 62 years old. Born in Oklahoma City, May 20, 1952, to Peter G. Pierce and Virginia Hannah Pierce. He was a life long resident of Oklahoma City. He attended Bishop McGuinness High School and graduated in 1970. He then earned a degree in history from the University of Oklahoma in 1974 where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. During and after his years at OU, he was a member of the United States Air Force Reserve and was honorably discharged. He began his career in commercial banking in 1974 with the family-owned First National Bank of Bethany (today First Bethany Bank & Trust). He was a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University as well as number of Oklahoma Banker's Association schools. Over a 36-year career, he served both his customers and the community selflessly and rose to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was President of the Westside Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors of The Children's Center in Bethany. He and his family are active members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Chris was an avid baseball fan his entire life. He followed his beloved Dodgers through thick and thin every season. A highlight of his baseball life was attending Game 6 of the 2011 World Series in St. Louis with his daughter. In addition to baseball, he was a loyal Sooner fan making the annual trek to the Cotton Bowl for the Red River Rivalry, and he loved to spend time skiing with his family in Deer Valley. Chris was a long-time member of Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Whenever the Beta Theta Pi band of alumni brothers met, Chris could be counted on to be in attendance. In addition to his beloved wife, Vanessa (Elwell), Chris is survived by his children, Camden of the home, Christian of Austin, TX, Caitlin of New York City, NY, Colin and his wife, Katie, and Chris' grandson, Henry, of Dallas, TX, as well as his brother, Pete of Norman, OK, and hundreds of dear friends. Chris will be loved and remembered. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Friday, June 20 at Christ the King Catholic Church at 8005 Dorset Dr in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that gifts in Chris' memory be made to The Children's Center, 6800 N.W. 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008 or to a charity of donor's choice.