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HEREFORD -- Col. J. Pierce Hereford USAF (Ret.), 87, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Sunday, June 6, 2004. He was born in Nevada, MO on October 15, 1916. Growing up in the Ozarks during the Depression, he learned the value of hard work. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring the surrounding rural areas. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State College in 1940, then attended the University of Nebraska, 1940-1942. There, he met and married the former Mary Erna Motl, who preceded him in death on September 3, 2001. From March until July 1942 he was a weather instructor at Basic Pilot School, Randolph Field, Texas. Thereafter, he joined the Office of Strategic Services, with which he remained until the War's end. During July to August 1946 he was on active duty with the Air Force; he returned to active duty in July 1947, after receiving a masters degree in geography from the University of Nebraska. After qualifying as a navigator, he flew in B-36, B-29, and B-47 aircraft. In 1958, still on active duty, he returned to the University of Nebraska, earning a doctorate in geography two years later. He was then assigned to the Air Force Academy as associate professor of geography, a position he held until a stroke forced his retirement in June 1962. Colonel Hereford retired with his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, where he engaged in the real estate business. Actively interested in the treatment of stroke victims, he was the founding president of the Albuquerque Stroke Club. He is survived by three children, Joseph Jr., David, and Martha Scott, and five grandchildren. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Friends may visit French Mortuary on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Stroke Club, Attn: Rich Smith, 6301 Menaul NE, Box 240, 87110. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400
        Published on: Wed June 09, 2004