Funeral services will be held February 8 at St Joseph Catholic Church for Harold “Bud” Pitman, 97, of Jefferson.
Father Bill Schreiber will be celebrant of the Mass of the Resurrection. Amy Roberts will be cantor, accompanied by Janet Sabus. Honorary bearers will be Michael Pittman, Justin Cosnotti and Dennis Pittman.
Casket bearers will be Dion McDermott, Alex Hamilton, Daniel Pittman, Ricky Pittman, Drew Carpenter and Jake Jackson. Interment will be at the Franklin Township Cemetry in Cooper with military honors by a United States Navy honor guard, VFW Post 9599 of Jefferson, and American Legion Post 11, also of Jefferson.
Harold Dean Pittman, affectionately known as Bud Pittman, was born Oct. 9, 1926, in Cooper. Growing up on the family farm, Bud’s resilience and sense of duty were evident from an early age.
At the onset of World War II, Bud’s commitment to his country led him to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served with distinction in the South Pacific. Even after the war’s end, his dedication to service remained unwavering, as he re-enlisted in the Navy’s Sea Bee division just moments after being honorably discharged. Bud was a lifetime Member of the VFW. While living in California he served as a Post Commander, State Commander, and an All-State Commander.
Throughout his 26 years of service in the Navy Reserves, Bud also lent his skills to the Operating Engineers, contributing to various construction projects from 1939 until his passing in 2024. His expertise in heavy construction and road building left an indelible mark on both Iowa and Minnesota.
In 1950, Bud’s life took a new direction when he met his beloved wife, Toni Rodich, in Long Beach, CA. Their union on Dec. 8, 1950, marked the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Together, they raised three children: Michael, born in 1953; Paula, born in 1958; and Joseph, born in 1960.
In addition to his military and construction careers, Bud dedicated 17 years to the Blue Banner Citrus Company, where he served as shop foreman and head mechanic. His mechanical prowess extended beyond the workplace, as he also served as the lead pit crew member for his son Michael’s stock car racing team.
In 1994, Bud, Toni, Michael, and Joseph returned to Iowa, where Bud continued to work alongside his son as the shop foreman for Mike Pittman Repair in Jefferson. An avid fan of NASCAR and stock car races, Bud’s love for motorsports was infectious.
More than his professional accomplishments, Bud will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, firm yet caring demeanor, unmatched work ethic, and legendary sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be cherished by his family, friends, and community.
Bud Pittman is survived by his daughter, youngest son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to the family at 209 E. Russell St., Jefferson, IA 50129. Bud’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
