Nick Pitts

(From Parker Mortuary)

Nickolas Foreman Pitts was born on August 11, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, to Maida Rae and R.E. Pitts. From the young age of five, Nick began shouldering family responsibilities, setting the tone for a life filled with hard work, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to every project he undertook.

At age seven, his family relocated to Missouri, where he later graduated from Sheldon High School in 1960. He went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in Electricity from Pittsburg State University in 1965. That same year, he began working a series of small jobs until a turning point came on February 14, 1966, when he was hired by Empire District Electric Company as part of a substation electrical crew.

Empire quickly recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue further education. He earned a Bachelors of science degree in Electrical Engineering from ICS in 1976 and began a fulfilling career where he truly found his niche. Nick was among the fortunate few who genuinely loved his work. He welcomed each day’s challenges and took great pride in what he accomplished. He dedicated an extraordinary 58 years and 9 months to Empire District Electric/Liberty Utilities, a rare and remarkable achievement.

Nick also served seven years in the National Guard. He was a devoted member of Royal Heights United Methodist Church, President of Pitts Land & Cattle Company, and owner and developer of the Joplin Square subdivision. Nick was a dreamer, but more importantly, he was a doer turning ideas into lasting legacies through determination, intellect, and a deep sense of purpose.

On August 26, 1967, Nick married the love of his life, Marilyn Brown at Royal Heights Methodist Church in Joplin, Missouri. They celebrated nearly 59 years of marriage and built a life together filled with love, family, and faith. Together they raised four children on their farm in Granby, Missouri, a place that was always alive with projects, possibilities, and the values he held most dear.

Above all else, he was a father in every sense of the word. He didn’t just raise his children, he invested in them. Whether it was teaching by example, lending his expertise, or offering quiet wisdom in the moments that mattered the most, ensuring his children knew they were never alone. He was the kind of father who would drop everything when one of his kids needed help, even when that meant driving across the state in the middle of the night, no questions asked.

He balanced discipline with unconditional love, high expectations with patience and instilled a work ethic in his children through example. His kids learned what it meant to work hard, to dream boldly, and to live with integrity, because they saw it in him everyday.

Nick believed in second chances and showed up in quiet, consistent ways that left a lasting impression. His guidance didn’t stop after his children became adults. He remained their anchor, their builder, their foundation, and their greatest supporter.

The strength of his love and the lessons he passed down, will live on through his children and their children, who were without question, the greatest joy of his life.

Nickolas is survived by:

His beloved wife:

Marilyn Pitts

His children:

Ryan Neal Pitts (Lauretta) – Granby, MO

Autumn Elaine Pitts – Joplin, MO

Amber Dianne Pitts – Joplin, MO

His son of the heart: Rick Dowell (Carla) – Joplin, MO

His grandchildren:

Allan Hopper – Joplin, MO

Joshua Hopper – St. Louis, MO

Laura Hopper – Granby, MO

Brittanne Fiscus – Joplin, MO

Faith Murray – Texas

Todd Murray – Oklahoma

His great-grandchildren: Jaelynn, Jaxon Minta, and Jace Hopper

His sister: Elaine Stockdale (Truman) – Corinth, MS

Five nieces

His daughter-in-love: Rachelle Hugley

He was preceded in death by:

His son: Evan Nickolas Pitts

His parents: R.E. and Maida Rae Pitts

His brother: Trenton A. Pitts

His parents-in-law: Newton and Mildred Brown

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ronald Browning of Joplin, Drs. Matson and Heath of Kansas University Medical Center, and the incredible team at Compassus: Courtney, Cathy, and Linda for their compassionate and gentle care of Nickolas in his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Parker Mortuary, 1502 South Joplin Street, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.