Fred Pitts

(From Parker Mortuary)

Fred A. Pitts was called into glory on October 29, 2021. Fred was born in Joplin, MO on December 3, 1933 to the late Fred L. and Gladys B. Pitts.

He grew up in Joplin, graduating from Joplin High School in 1951, where he participated in ROTC and the Eveready Rifle Drill Team. He later attended Oklahoma A and M at Stillwater, receiving a degree in Industrial Technology, and then Pittsburg State University where he received his Master’s Degree in School Administration. 

While in college, Fred was in the Air Force ROTC, a member of the Flying Aggies club, and Scabbard and Blade Society. He served in the US Army Chaplain Corps with the 4th Infantry Division for two years at Fort Lewis, Washington; then spent 3 years in the Army Active Reserves. He worked in the Research department for the Eagle Picher Company on NASA’s Mercury Program. 

Mr. Pitts taught science for 34 years at Carl Junction Junior High, where he helped organize many student history trips. Fred used his contacts with NASA to bring several astronauts into his Carl Junction classroom. 

In 1975, he received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Missouri Academy of Science. Fred enjoyed fellowship with the retired teachers group from Carl Junction. 

Fred was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where he was active in Youth Fellowship, Sea Scouts, and most recently participated in Forum Sunday School classes. He served as a Republican Committeeman and was a passionate student of Civil War and Military history. He volunteered with the recovery and display of the USS Cairo at Vicksburg National Park, working with Ed Bearss, Chief Historian. He was also a member of the 509th Composite Group. He loved his family and his students, and he loved to read and hear about Jesus.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by nephews, Gary and David Domingues; sister-in- law Joyce Pitts; brother-in-law Ben Domingues; and other cherished family members, Doug and Delma Rea, and Bob Keller.

Survivors include siblings Gerald Pitts of Joplin, MO; Carol Domingues of Topeka,KS; and Lynn and Sue Pitts of Webb City, MO; nieces and nephews MiLana Domingues, Greg Domingues, Keri and Mike Schumacher, Amy and Justin Honey, Doug and Cassie Pitts, Kris and Heather Moore, Matt and Tiffany Moore; and many great- nieces and great-nephews, Tyler and Erika Domingues, Trent and Chianne Domingues, Olivia Honey, Isaac Honey, Sara Schumacher, Anna Schumacher, Emily Moore, Matti Moore, Kendel Moore, Wyatt Moore, Peyton Moore, Mia Moore, Xander Domingues, and Kinlee Domingues; and bonus family Betty Keller, Linda and Henry Leaming, Mark, Joy and J Leaming, Monica Raymond, and Tasha Leaming. Fred cherished many friends, students, and extended family.

A visitation will be held at Parker Mortuary on Wednesday, November 3 from 5-7 pm. Family graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 4. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St Paul’s United Methodist Church Youth Group for summer camps.