Fallen Hero: Retired Lt. Colonel John Bernard Pearson, III

Meridian

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Funeral Home

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Airman and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on August 9, 2024 and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Lt. Colonel John Bernard Pearson, III, age 67, who had served within the MSANG within the 186th Refueling Wing, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Airman. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Airman has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Airman for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
Funeral services for Mr. John Bernard Pearson, III will begin at 12:00 PM Friday, August 16, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Chaplain Moore officiating. Interment will follow Graveside rites with Military Honors at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Lt. Colonel John Bernard Pearson, III, age 67, of Meridian, MS, passed away peacefully August 9th, 2024, in his home, surrounded by family.

A lifelong resident of Meridian, Johnny was born on January 29th, 1957, to John “Bernie” Pearson, Jr. and Louise Pearson. He graduated from Meridian High School and joined the Mississippi Air National Guard while attending Mississippi State University. He served with distinction for nearly thirty years as a Weapons System Officer on the RF-4 Phantom and later as a Navigator on the KC-135R. During his service, Johnny accumulated 2,308 flying hours and 1,759 sorties in the RF-4, and 2,165 flying hours and 527 sorties in the KC-135R, eventually becoming an evaluator on both aircraft. Even eighteen years after his retirement, he remained drawn to Key Field, where watching jets take off and land continued to be one of his greatest pleasures.

After retiring from the military, John established his insurance agency, The Business Group, and served his community for seventeen years. He was a man who could be counted on for anything, whether it was offering wise counsel, lending a helping hand, or just being there when needed. Johnny was the go-to man, known for his unwavering dependability and heartfelt wisdom. His sunroom became a sanctuary where many sought and found the advice and comfort they needed.

John’s love for his children, Hallie (Zach) Swindoll, Cody Pearson, and Keegan Pearson, was evident in everything he did. He dedicated countless hours to coaching baseball, soccer, and softball, not just for his own kids, but for hundreds of others as well. Some of his most cherished memories were made during early morning duck and turkey hunts, times when he felt closest to God. He was a passionate supporter of his teams, the MSU Bulldogs and the New Orleans Saints, never missing a kickoff. Like his parents, John possessed a beautiful singing voice and a deep appreciation for music.

He is survived by his beloved children and granddaughters, Aliyah Pearson and Anne Warren Swindoll, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah (Seth) Mott, Carol (Jon) Clark, Laura Jane Erickson, and Patti (Justus) Humphries, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny will be remembered as the steadfast rock for his friends and family. His presence was a beacon of strength and love, and his legacy of wisdom and kindness will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.