William Francis “Bill” Pitts, 78, died February 23, 2025, at his home. He was born July 10, 1946, in Wichita, to Willis F. and Betty L. (Morris) Pitts.
Bill graduated from Buhler High School in 1964 and received his pressroom certification in 1968. He worked as a pressroom foreman for the Hutchinson News and Rockwell/Goss Publishing Company. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, winemaking, and writing poetry. Above all, he loved his family unconditionally. Bill was a member of the Pressman Union.
On September 11, 1964, he married Jerrie Ann Davis, in Hutchinson.
Bill is survived by: his wife of almost 61 years, Jerrie of Hutchinson; daughters, Niki Pitts-Silhan (Ed) of Marion, Cynthia Denton (Ray), and Shannon Kirk, all of Hutchinson; siblings, Tom Pitts (Earlene) of Buhler, Janeen Hyson (Kenny) of Haven, Joyce Welch of Temple, TX, Deborah Coral (Luis) of Hutchinson, Sam Pitts (Terry), and Jason Pitts (Jennifer) of Burrton; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; infant son, William F. Pitts, Jr.; granddaughter, Shelby Olson; and a sister, Patricia Turner.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation will follow.
Celebration of Life service will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Mi Tierra Banquet Hall, 329 N. Van Buren, Hutchinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Salvation Army, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.