Obituaries

Robert "Bob" C. Pittman

March 23rd, 1930 – October 12th, 2018

Robert “Bob” C. Pittman, age 88 of Astoria, IL, passed away at 10:30 am on Friday, October 12, 2018 at his home. He was born on March 23, 1930 to Arthur and Leta (Mellier) Pittman, the 4th of 8 children.

Bob graduated from Cuba High School, Cuba, IL, where he participated in 4H and FFA, earning the State Farmer Award. He graduated from McPherson College with a BS Degree in Industrial Arts and from the University of Illinois where he earned his Masters Degree in Vocational Education.

He married Marianne Rhoades on July 24, 1955 in Astoria, IL. She survives. They have three children by birth, Oralea Anne Pittman of Bellefontaine, OH, Paul Arthur (and Julie) Pittman of Woodside, CA and their daughters, Allison and Catherine, and Rhonda Kathleen (and Mark) Gingrich of Minneapolis, MN, and their daughters Sophia and Addison, Bob and Marianne’s family was enlarged and enriched by An and the late Hoa Tran, Vietnamese refugees who adopted them as their mother and father and gave them two more grandchildren, Huy (and Shama) Tran, and their son Arjun, and Linda (and Jorge) Lopez and their two children Lucas and Liliana.

Bob is also survived by two sisters, Barbara Miller of Astoria, IL and Elizabeth Gramm of Nashville, TN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Howard, Richard, Charles, and Arthur “Jack” Pittman and one sister Marilea Kessler.

Bob taught school for 27 years, 25 of them in Vocational Building Trades, building houses with students.

He was active in the Church of the Brethren where he held leadership positions at the local, district, and denominational level. He worked with the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries where he served in many states directing the work of volunteers helping in the recovery following a disaster. His teaching experience was valuable in this work. He served as a trainer for other project directors and served as Interim Director of Brethren Disaster Ministries from January 1999 to June 1999.

Bob worked as the supervisor of volunteers in the building of churches, parsonages, and church camp facilities.

His hobbies included traveling, wood crafts (especially turning rolling pins), and collecting antique tools.

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 17th at 11:00 am at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Reverends Ed Woodard, Lisa Fike, and Dan Cole will officiate. Visitation will take place from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, October 16th at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery, Astoria, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Brethren Disaster Ministries, 601 N. Main, PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188 or Camp Emmanuel, PO Box 557, Astoria, IL 61501

Condolences

October 13th, 2018

was so sorry to hear of the loss of Bob, he was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers are with Marianne and the family.
Diane Westlake

October 13th, 2018

Rhonda,Mark and family: So very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounded like an amazing man. You are truly the product of your parent's love. Mimi King

October 13th, 2018

It was a privilege to know and love Bib! What a dear, gentle soul he was! Love to Maryanne and his family! Sharon and Leland Flora

October 13th, 2018

Marianne and Family, We are sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Bob and Melba Baker

October 13th, 2018

So sorry to learn of Bob's passing, His friendship was so very special and we will miss him. Love and prayers to Marianne and all the family. Ron and Vi Cox

October 14th, 2018

Our love and prayers to all of you who loved Bob , and to his family and friends we give God thanks a faithful servant and the love he had for others he was a faithful , and dedicated his life for Christ , he will be sorely be missed by all but knowing he is with God may you all be comforted and peace and may we also look to Christ when God calls us home to our eternal home , and may you all know that Jesus died on the cross for you and me and believe and what a example of Christ Bob showed to us and his community and the world , Love and prayers Greg , Vonna Beach from Harrisburg,Pa Greg was the pastor at Woodland Church of the Brethren and we are blessed to have met Bob and his family he was loved by all

October 14th, 2018

Marianne, So sorry for your loss. Bob and I cherished your friendship, and I know that our Bobs are continuing that friendship together in heaven. Gods blessings to you and your family. Kris Kessler

October 14th, 2018

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Glad I got to see you folks briefly at Annual conference. Larry Ditmars

October 14th, 2018

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely Nancy Rutledge and family

October 14th, 2018

Marianne and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a gentle, kind person. We are so glad we got to visit with you several weeks ago. We're hoping to make it to Astoria for the funeral. Joan & Phil Taylor

October 15th, 2018

Thanks be to God for blessing so many lives with Bob's work and witness! Blessings to all the family as you remember and cherish all that Bob was and continues to be in your lives. Marilyn Koehler, NP District

October 15th, 2018

Roy and I have been praying for your family. You and Bob are shining examples of Christian leadership and love. Roy and I are privileged to know and love you. /Lissa and Roy Barker

October 15th, 2018

I am so sad to hear that Bob is gone from us. His kindness and care touched my family at a difficult time in my life. He has since had a special place in my heart. Marianne, you and your family are in my prayers. Loretta Wolf

October 16th, 2018

On behalf of all of your friends and colleagues at OSU College of Nursing, Oralea, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lindi McGaughy

October 16th, 2018

So sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to spend some time with you all last week. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Tina Batterton

October 18th, 2018

We are sorry for your loss. Bob was a faithful and gifted servant. May you be blessed at this difficult time.

Jerry & Lois Duble