Earl Pittman

A service for Earl Pittman was held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry, Iowa. Words of comfort were provided by Pastor John Burger of Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, Iowa, Casket bearers were Megan Pittman, Ryan Pittman, Aaron Pittman, Chad Benshoof, Jammie Benshoof, Stephanie McCumber, Christina McCumber, Nicole Russell, Aaron Russell, and Jason Lomax. Music was provided by Virginia White and the the Congregational songs were "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Amazing Grace". Interment was at Viloet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Military service was provided by the Army Nation Guard Honors Group of Des Moines. And Floyd Foster V.F.W. Post 2060 of Perry. Following the cemetery there was a time of lunch and fellowship at Hastings Funeral Home. Earl Cleo Pittman, son of Roy and Blanche Pittman, was born March 7, 1921 in Cooper, Iowa and died November 8, 2011 at the Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa. Earl began school in Cooper in 1927 for a short time. He then went to a country school and in 1928 moved to Jamaica where he graduated in 1941. In 1942 Earl went to Morton Aircraft School and was drafted to the United States Army November 4, 1942. Earl spent most of his military career overseas stationed in New Guinea in the Southern Philippines. He was honorably discharged February 28, 1946 at which time he went into trucking for 4 years. Earl and Betty Gliem were united in marriage on April 6, 1949 in Iowa City. They lived in Jefferson for a short time, followed by Grand Junction and Jamaica. Earl also lived in Berkley before moving to Perry. Earl and Betty were proud parents of Randy, Nancy, Susan, and Ronda. Earl held various positions in construction and maintenance. He worked in the Foundry, WR Grace for 13 years and at the Dallas County Hospital for 12 years before retiring March 1986. Earl enjoyed weaving rugs and he was a member of the American Legion Post #85. He also enjoyed researching genealogy and collecting hats. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty; daughter Susan McCumber; brother Junior Pittman, and sister Mae Carpenter. Earl is survived by two daughters: Ronda and her husband Eric Bohling of Woodward, Nancy and her husband Daryl Harker of Perry; a son, Randy and wife Laurie Pittman of Maple Grove, MN; nine grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, and Aaron Pittman; Chad (Cari) Benshoof and Jammie (Jamie) Benshoof, Stephanie and Christina McCumber, Nicole (Aaron) Russell and Jason (Shelly Lomax ), 12 great-grandchildren, Caleb, Cassidy, Allysa, Austin, Alexsia, Emma, Emmalie, Thomas, Grace, Logan, Nicki and Amanda. He is also survived by five sisters: Shirley Appenzeller of Greensboro, NC; Lois McDowell of Perry; Lila Brown of Marana, AZ; Joyce (Bill) Donnelly of Freemont, NE; and Betty Lynam of Panora, other relatives and friends.