CPO U.S. Navy retired Joseph "Joe" Frank Pearson, 86, of Bedford, England, passed away May 3, 2009.

Born Oct. 18, 1923, in Buck Creek, he was the son of the late Frank and Eva Pearson. His first marriage was in 1948 in Brookston to Kathryn Woods Pearson of Hudson, Fla., and she survives. His third marriage was to Maggie Pearson in Bedford, England, and she survives.

Mr. Pearson entered the Navy in May 1942 and retired in May 1962 after completing 20 years of service.

Also surviving is a daughter, Teresa "Terry" Liebert (husband: David) of Delphi; two sons, Skip Pearson (wife: Maureen) of Detroit, Mich., and Gary Pearson (wife: Marva) of West Lafayette; and 10 grandchildren.

A service at sea will be arranged at a later date.