Eugene Paul Pitts, age 68 of Lake City passed away July 4, 2015 at his home.
Gene was born in Grand Rapids May 5, 1947 to Walter and Alma (Perrault) Pitts.
He married the former Sheryl Lynn DeBoer on August 23, 1980 in Lake City.
Gene graduated from Lake City High School in 1965 where he played football and performed in the band.
He was a former employee at Foster’s Super Market as head baker, worked at the Lake City Drop Forge and was most famous for his bartending at the Town Pump.
Gene was owner and operator of Gene Pitts Welding for thirty six years.
Gene served in many elected positions on the Forest Township Board during a span of forty two years. He was founder of the Lake Missaukee Fire Authority and served as a chairman for many years and chairman of the Missaukee County Ag Society for many years.
He enjoyed working with youth in the community; he was an archery instructor for Kalkaska
4-H archery program, a Cub Scout leader in Lake City, a baseball coach; sponsoring a team, and a member of the Lake City Kiwanis Club.
In the spring Gene could smell the mushrooms and would be found in the woods picking them for his family and friends to enjoy. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing a game of cribbage and watching his favorite television shows of Matt Dillon and Andy Griffith.
Most of all he was the greatest husband and the best father and greatest grandfather anyone could ever ask for.
Gene had an endless sense of humor and his smile and laughter will be long remembered by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Sheryl and daughter Nia Marie (Gary) Neeley of Cadillac and son William Louis (Amy) Pitts of Lake City and three grandchildren Toryonna, Tyne and Teagan.
He is also survived by his brothers: Thomas (Laura) Pitts of Kalamazoo, Wesley Pitts of Kaleva and Roger (Rhonda) Pitts of Cadillac, as well as father and mother in law Robert and Lillian DeBoer and seven brother in laws and eight sister in laws and many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in law Jim Coolsen.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Young Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Boven and Jack McGee officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Burial will be in the Lake City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Blazing Arrows Archery Program of Missaukee County.

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