Obituary of Patrick Angelo Pitts

PATRICK ANGELO PITTS Patrick Angelo Pitts was born March 17, 1922 in Sherwood, OR and past away in Camas February 7, 2013 with Sharon and Ali, his grand dog, by his side. Patrick was born to Richard and Marie Pitts. His father was a farmer and mother was a housewife. Patrick had 7 sisters and two brothers who are deceased. Raymond lives in Vancouver, and Michael lives in Yacolt. He joined the Army on January 18, 1942 weighing 127 pounds. Patrick was stationed in Fort Lewis before he left for New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon. He was a heavy equipment truck driver. His love of horses followed him to the Army. He broke horses and received his blacksmith license on June 16, 1942. He was on the Texas border patrol and he boxed featherweight of Troop C 12th Calvary and won the featherweight mix in the Golden Gloves Fight. His medals include the Combat badge in Sharpshooter M1 rifle, American Theater Service, Good Conduct, Asiatic Pacific Service, Bronze Service Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation with two bronze service stars, and the Victory Medal. Patrick was discharged on December 16, 1945. Patrick had two daughters, Judy, Centerville, IA, Shirley, Centerville, IA and one son, Leslie,. Davenport, IA. He had 9 grand children, and 15 great grand children. Divorce in 1954, Patrick went on to purchase his property in Fern Prairie on April 2, 1957 from Lyn and Mary Lou Hegre. He built his house, farmed and loved on his horses. Patrick was still mowing his property up to fall of 2012. Sharon would go out and help mow and he'd say "Someone mowed" and Sharon would smile and he'd start laughing. This fall Sharon asked Patrick if he needed help getting his property and vehicles ready for winter and he said "Nope, it's all done....I am ready" Patrick worked and played very hard. A week ago Patrick signed a deed to donate his property of 56 years to the City of Camas to become the Patrick A Pitts Park. He dreams to have a park built for the kids. Patrick worked many years for Crown Zellerbach in Camas, WA as in the yard maintenance. Working with heavy equipment, Patrick went on to buy his own truck and cat and worked after hours with his own construction company. He was a member of the Twin Cities Saddle Club, Clark County Saddle Club, Clark County Sheriff Posey, Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, Washington Trail Riders Association and The American Quarter Horse Association. The last three years, Patrick and his friend, Gerry Newberry have lived at the Quarry Senior Living and Mountain View House.....They played bean bag baseball and Patrick was the coach. At both places Patrick greeted the new residents and called Bingo and lead exercising at the Mountain View House. Patrick told us he had a great life and has no regrets. He was a ball of fire right up to the last week. Patrick you will be terrible missed by many. So long Patrick, until we see you again. You have lots of cowboys and cowgirls coming to join you, so get the arena ready, COWBOY!!! The funeral mass will be on Friday, Feb. 15 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, in Camas, WA, at 12:00 pm. Burial with military honors will at the Fern Prairie Cemetery and then a luncheon at the church will follow. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas, WA, is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.