Richard ‘Rick’ Pierson, 59, the manager of the Engineering Manufacturing Facility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, died Oct. 23 at his home in Krum.

He was born at Camp Pendleton, California, and grew up in a military family. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for four years at Fort Irwin Army Base in California. He developed a fascination with machinery during his service and went on to pursue the craft as a career.

After moving to Dallas, his family says he embraced his dream of becoming a cowboy and he and his wife Ruth established a prototype machining business on their farm in Krum. They also say he took much pride in his work and was grateful for his UNT job that allowed him so much creative freedom.

He had worked at UNT since 2015, mentoring students in machining, and his dedication and skills as a technician were invaluable to faculty as well as students as he helped them with their engineering projects.

Off campus, he was actively involved in the Christian Motorcycle Association and enjoyed country-western dancing and karaoke with his friends and family.

A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University in Denton. If you aren’t able to attend the service in person, a livestream also will be available.

The family is requesting memorials go to a scholarship fund for engineering students being established in his memory.