Wylie Pitts

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Wylie Crawford Pitts of Riverton, Kansas passed from this life on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri.

Wylie was born on January 20, 1928 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to the union of Ray and Helen (Crawford) Pitts. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann (Hodson) Pitts on March 14, 1952 in Riverton, Kansas. Together, they celebrated 67 years of marriage.

He was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church in Baxter Springs serving as an honorary trustee. Wylie graduated from Baxter Springs High School with the class of 1945. He continued his education at Northeastern A & M college in Miami, OK on a football scholarship. He was signed by the New York Yankees scout, Tom Greenwade in 1947. A year later, Greenwade signed Mickey Mantle.

In September, 1950, he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was assigned overseas duty for one year in the Greenland U.S.F. base. He completed four years of service in the Air Force.

Wylie was employed by the Gas Service Company in Joplin and retired after 30 years of service. He enjoyed participating and observing most sports events. He loved to bowl and was on a Baxter Springs league for many years. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing his crops with neighbors and friends. Fishing on Spring River and Grand Lake was another special pastime.

Wylie is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Lisa Osborn (Todd) and son, Daaron Pitts (Tina) and one brother, Glen Dale Pitts.

Wylie is preceded in death by his parents; one step-brother, Merl Pitts; brother, Melford Pitts; sister, Jean Kirkpatrick.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the First Christian Church, Baxter Springs, KS. Pastor Cody Graves will officiate. Burial will follow in the Quaker Valley Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Wednesday until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Baxter Springs, KS. Military honors will be conducted. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.