Robert “Bob” Olin Pitts, 80, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. He was born on January 8, 1941 to Raymond Olin Pitts and Anna Marie Graves (nee Little) in East St. Louis, IL.
Bob was an excellent example of how diligence can overcome great adversity. He was a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy and worked as a clinker on the USS Ingersoll 00–652 from May 1959 to January 1962. Bob worked as a crane operator for American Steel from 1964 - 1984, then he worked as a chemical operator for Afton Chemical from 1984 – 2006, from which he retired. He was well respected in each of those professions. He enjoyed wood working, gardening and fixing things, but most all, he loved spending time with his family. Bob was a man of faith, a loving husband and a proud parent, grandfather and great grandfather. Bob was an intelligent, generous, hardworking man who dearly loved his family and would help out anyone in need. Bob leaves behind a prodigious legacy; he will be remembered for his strength, benevolence, and perseverance and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond, Richard and Ronald Pitts and his sister, Shirley Hodge (nee Pitts).
Surviving to cherish his memory are his doting wife of 59 years, Lavona Pitts (nee Massey); his children, Ronald O. (Lisa) Pitts, April L. (W. Brent Nealey II) Nealey and Ricky D. (Rebecca J.) Pitts; brother, Roger Pitts; grandchildren, Theresa (Craig) Wuebbels, MaKenzie Pitts, Adrian (Osbaldo) Martinez, Lillian Grace Pitts, Joshua Pitts, Riley Ann Pitts, Michael (Charsie) Nealey and Alicia (Chase) Billingsley; great grandchildren, Trent Alexander Arterburn, Judah Nealey, Morgan Wuebbels, Vanessa Martinez, Abraham Nettles, Kallen Billingsley, Landen Billingsley and Osbaldo Martinez Jr.
The family would like to thank Pastor Chad and Brittany Townsley and the members of the Calvary Pentecostal Church for their prayers, love and care. They would also like to thank the Residential Hospice care team.
Memorial donations can be made to the Calvary Pentecostal Church building fund.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home.
A funeral service will start at 12 noon on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, followed by a committal at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.
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