By Karen Andrew
Enquirer Staff Writer

EVANSTON - The third oldest child of 13 children, Edward Pierce was born and raised in Siluria, Ala., and came to Cincinnati in the mid-1940s seeking a better way of life.

And, in doing so, he became the owner and operator of Ed's Barbershop on Montgomery Road in Evanston.

He died Monday in his home in Evanston, where he had been a resident for 52 years. He was 77.

Mr. Pierce, who served in the Army during the Korean War, held several jobs at a time, including as a building maintenance worker and a television repair technician, to provide for his family before a friend suggested he become a barber.

He attended Moler Barber and Beauty School in Cincinnati and served his one-year apprenticeship at Johnny's Barber Shop in Evanston before opening his own shop in 1962.

Being fair-minded, he opened the shop at the other end of Evanston from Johnny's.

His shop was an informal meeting place for the community.

"Everybody loved to come in there and talk to him," said his daughter, Barbara Jean Pierce of College Hill. "He was a mentor to many young people, especially the young adult men who came in to the shop."

She said her father, along with the other barber, the Rev. Ambrose Brooks, tried to give guidance, "and if you came into his barber shop, you heard the Word of God from hour to hour. Not only was he cutting hair but was trying to help the young people do right and have God in their lives."

He sponsored many youth group programs in Evanston, including baseball, basketball and football teams.

"He was a good husband and father and great provider," said his daughter. "He valued education. I remember when I was in the third grade and we would drive past the University of Cincinnati, he'd say, 'Barbara Jean, when you graduate from high school, you're going to that college, so you better keep your grades up.'"

And, indeed, she fulfilled one of his dreams and later earned a master's degree from UC.

He was a member of Union Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He taught adults and loved to read the Bible.

Mr. Pierce was also active with the Evanston Community Council.

In addition to his daughter, his survivors include his wife of 60 years, Louise; an adopted daughter, Inell Dean of Colerain Township; and close family friend, John McDaniel of Avondale.

Services have been held. He was buried in the Walnut Hills Cemetery.

Memorials: Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242-5613 or American Cancer Society, 11115 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

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E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com