Ronald Eugene Pitts, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026. He was born on December 26, 1949, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Imogene Pitts and Glen Pitts.

Ronald graduated from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in December of 1972. On February 8, 1974, he married the love of his life, Karon Sue Pitts, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly 52 years and was marked by devotion, partnership, and deep love. Together they raised two sons, David Pitts and Michael Pitts.

Ronald’s career reflected his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. After marrying, he worked at Ballwin Piano Company in Conway, Arkansas, before moving to Hesston, Kansas, where he supervised a furniture factory. He later relocated to Wichita, Kansas, to work at Kaman Supply, and then to Springfield, Missouri, where he worked at Harry Cooper Supply. Eventually, Ronald founded his own business, Ultimate Choice Distributing, which sold underground utility supplies to municipalities  across the US to build water systems and wastewater treatment plants, an achievement he took great pride in.

Family was at the center of Ronald’s life. When his children were growing up, he continued a cherished family tradition passed down from his father: taking the entire family to McBride Resort in Protem, Missouri, for fishing trips filled with laughter and lasting memories. A man of routine and simple pleasures, Ronald’s favorite place to eat was Burger King, he stopped every morning for breakfast while taking his sons to school, where the staff knew him by name.

Ronald was saved and baptized at the age of 17 and was a faithful member of Hickory Ridge Baptist Church, where he and Sue worshiped together for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene and Glen Pitts; his brother, Phillip Pitts; his grandmother, Marie Pitts; and his beloved dog, Heinrick.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Pitts; his sons, David Pitts and wife Miranda, and Michael Pitts and wife Monica; his grandchildren, Gabriella Paladino, Grace Paladino, Ethan Paladino, Ellis Pitts, and Aveleen Pitts; his brother, Gary Pitts; and his faithful dog, Mya.

A visitation will be held at Hickory Ridge Baptist Church on February 13 at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 5234 W State Highway EE, Springfield, MO 65802.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hickory Ridge Baptist Church Missions, 1311 E Valley Water Mill Rd, Springfield, MO 65803 .