Danny Levi Pitts passed away Jan. 22, 2023 at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born Aug. 23, 1947, in Humansville, to Cecil and Helen (Houser) Pitts.
He attended Humansville High School, Southwest Baptist College and Southwest Missouri State College before entering graduate school at the University of Missouri, where he earned his master’s degrees in chemistry and education.
Dan taught math and science in Mexico and Vandalia as well as working as an analytical chemist for the University of Missouri and Laboratories for Environmental Testing (L.E.T.).
He married his college sweetheart, Laura Carol Dill, on June 7, 1969 in Buffalo, Mo. She survives at the home. They have three children, son, Scott David Pitts, and two daughters, Susan (Travis) Polacek and Karen (Kevin) Polacek; two granddaughters, Emily Nicole Polacek (Paul Muenks) and Megan Renae Polacek.
Dan’s family was his delight and he was fiercely protective of them.
He was an avid sports fan and competitor in tennis, fast and slow pitch baseball, basketball, bowling and golf. And he played to win! He also enjoyed Carrom, Trivial Pursuit and card games, especially Rook.
He is survived by his wife, children, granddaughters, one sister, Patricia Arnold of Adrian; sister-in-law, Eleanor Jo Pitts of Kansas City, Kan.; numerous nieces and nephews, and also dear friends, John and Mary Kay Hartgraves, of Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Arnold Pitts; and brother-in-law, Tom Arnold.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Bryce Kristofferson and Rev. Jay Morris officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Visitation is Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Centennial Baptist Church or the Help Center. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
