Pitts John Calvin

John Calvin Pitts was born June 14, 1934, in Mount Vernon, Texas, to A.E. Pitts, Sr. and Molie Cowser Pitts. He passed away peacefully on Friday December 5, 2014, at the age of 80 years. He was raised in a large family, embraced rural life and attended school in Blossom, Texas. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served in Okinawa, Japan. After an honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Powers. They were married May 29, 1958, and enjoyed nearly 49 years of marriage until her death in April, 2007. To this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Judy and Jill. Words that accurately describe John are committed and faithful. He was committed to his family, friends and career and faithful to the churches in which he served, First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado, St. Paul Presbyterian Church, San Angelo and First Presbyterian Church, San Angelo. John was a man of strong faith in our Lord and took seriously the task of raising his family in the church. He passed along priceless characteristics and traits to his family as they reaped the benefits of learning by example and being raised in a Christian home where strong family values were taught. Though his guidance and devotion will be deeply missed by those who truly knew him, his spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of the many people whose lives he touched. Affectionately known as "Papa" to his granddaughters and great-grandchildren, John valued memories made with family, supporting their many activities and assuring them of his unconditional love.John possessed a strong work ethic and retired from West Texas Utilities Company after 35 years of employment, holding positions of lineman, serviceman and local manager in San Angelo and Eldorado, Texas. John's hobbies included golfing, fishing and hunting as well as traveling with Pat. Known for his humor and smile, he enjoyed years of close friendships with many. Even though a large man most of his life, he truly had a heart of gold.John is survived by his daughters, Judy and husband, Franz Zwaschka, of San Angelo, Texas, and Jill and husband, John Gulizia, of Denver, Colorado. Papa adored his three granddaughters, J'Nae Zwaschka Cohorn and husband, Stephen, of Cedar Park, Texas, Allison Zwaschka of Boston, Massachusetts, and Bryttani Gentry of Byers, Colorado. He was also proud of his great-granddaughter, Alexis, and great-grandson, William, both of Colorado.Additionally, he is survived by his brothers, Bob Pitts, of Greeley, Colorado, and Charles Pitts of Atlanta, Texas, sisters, Argaree Lauter of Littleton, Colorado, Veda Watkins of Atlanta, Texas, Joan Clark of Lakewood, Colorado and Linda Sue Plum of Queen City, Texas, sisters-in-law, Betty Pitts of Lubbock, Texas and Juanita Pitts of Linden, Texas, and brother-in-law, Robert Buttery, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with their respective families.John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patricia Pitts, and siblings, Marie Vick, A.E. Pitts, Jr., Bill Pitts and Wayne Pitts and sister-in-law, Nancy Buttery.Visitation with family present is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home. A service at his graveside will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 32 North Irving, San Angelo, Texas.The family requests memorials be made to Children's Miracle Network, 120 East Harris, San Angelo, Texas 76903, House of Hope Hospice, 902 North Main, San Angelo, Texas 76903 or the charity of the donor's choice .