Obituary of Charles W. Pitts

Charles William Pitts, Jr., 85, of State College, passed on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Penn State Hershey Medical Hospital, Hershey.

Born December 11, 1933, in Corinth, MS, he was the son of the late Charles William Pitts, Sr. and Annie Mae O'Shields. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Karol Williams.

Charlie is survived by four children, Tim Pitts and his wife, Cindy, Kim Pitts, all of State College, Kelley Cushing and her husband, David, of Avon, NY, and Kerrie Haines and her husband, Jeremy, of York, PA; one sister Charlotte Conlee of Monroe, LA; eight grandchildren, Nicky Carson and her husband, Dustin, Brian Cox, Stephen Parks, Wesley Duckworth and his fiancé, Kristen, Brittany Donohue and her husband, Erik, Colby Cushing, Jordan Haines, and Dakota Haines; seven great grandchildren, Kylie, Gavin, Cara, Clark, Remy, Paisley, and Hudson. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Kobie Pitts, and a sister, Beryl Parton.

After graduating high school, Charlie attended Louisiana State University where he was an accomplished tennis player. In 1956, Charlie enlisted in the Army and met Karol at Fitzsimons Army Medical in Aurora, CO while chaperoning a school dance. The two fell in love instantly and were married within the same year. After two years of service, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University. In 1962, Charlie continued his education at Kansas State University where he earned his Masters and Doctorate in Entomology. Karol and Charlie were best friends, companions, and world travelers. Seeing the world by the opportunities offered through his position as Professor and Department Head of Entomology at Penn State in which he served passionately for 22 years. His retirement to Professor Emeritus allowed him to focus on being an avid golf, poker, and bridge enthusiast.

Charlie was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, scholar, colleague, and friend. He was loved by all who knew him.

Visitation will be 5-8p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S Atherton St., State College.

Memorial Service will be at 11a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Eisenhower Chapel, located on the campus of Penn State University, State College, PA with Celebrant Jackie Hook and Pastor Chester Marshall Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Nittany Health Foundation, reference for the Suzanne DeTuerk Student Volunteer Scholarship Endowment, 1800 E. Park Avenue, State College, PA 16803.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.