Harold “Chloe” Pitts

Harold “Chloe” Pitts, the son of Leonard Pitts and Mae Pitts, was born on February 3, 1932, in Arroll, Missouri, and passed away in Summersville, Missouri, on September 17, 2025, making his age 93. After the passing of his mother, Leonard later married Ethel, and together they had two sons, Dale and Doyle.

Chloe was united in marriage to Lillie “Bea” Pitts on May 25, 1952. They were married 71 years before Bea’s passing in 2024. Their marriage was strong and enduring, with Jesus always at the center. During their union they had two children, Stephen Michael and Katherine Ann.

After graduating from Summersville High School in 1950, Chloe served his country in the United States Army from December 1952 to July 1954, including time in Korea. For his service he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Following his military service, Chloe attended the University of Missouri, where he earned his degree in Agricultural Economics and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in the same field.

Chloe loved the Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his life. He was a regular at church every Sunday until his health made it too difficult. Even then, his daughter Kathy would drop him at the door where friends would be waiting to help him inside. Chloe’s faith was steady, and his walk with Jesus was evident to all who knew him.

He is perhaps best remembered in Summersville for his long and influential career as the Vo-Ag teacher at Summersville High School. Generations of young men and women learned not only about agriculture, but also about hard work, character, and integrity in his classroom. Many former students still remember Chloe’s patient instruction and his skill in teaching them how to weld. Over the years, he also built hundreds of canoe trailers, each one a mark of his craftsmanship and love of working with his hands. Even after his teaching years, countless former students would stop by to check in on Mr. Pitts, a testimony to the impact he made in their lives.

Chloe enjoyed a full life surrounded by family and friends. He loved going to family reunions and carefully studied his family’s genealogy, preserving stories and connections for future generations. He loved his pets, watching ball games on TV, and gathering with family for dinners and holidays. Gentle and kind, Chloe always looked forward to having everyone together and treasured those moments dearly. Chloe dearly loved his family. He was proud of his children, Mike and Kathy, and especially treasured his grandsons Wesley Gaebel, and Jack and Brock Pitts. He would stop anything at any time to help them in any way he could. He loved to play ball in the yard with them, cheer for them, and celebrate their lives. His grandsons were his pride and joy. Some of Chloe’s happiest moments were playing games during the holidays with Bea, Mike, Rhonda, Kathy, Wes, Amy, Jack, Brock, and Emma.

Chloe had a gentle presence that drew people in. His home was always open to family, friends, and former students. He had a way of listening, visiting, and making others feel welcome. Whether it was a holiday meal, a quick visit, or a long conversation, people left feeling encouraged and cared for. He loved to laugh, share stories, and spend time with those around him. Everyone wanted to be around Chloe, and he made each person feel valued and important.

Chloe is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Mae, his stepmother Ethel, his beloved wife Bea, and brothers Dale and Doyle.

He is survived by his children Mike and Rhonda Pitts and Kathy Gaebel, and grandsons Wesley, Jack, and Brock, along with Wesley’s wife Amy and Brock’s wife Emma.

Chloe will be remembered for his faith, his kindness, and the many lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend.