Ardean Pitman

Ardean Pitman, aged 85, died May 27, 2023 unexpectedly of a heart attack at West Chester Hospital.  He was born on June 26, 1937 in Pleasantville, Iowa to Charlie and Leona (nee Rodgers) Pitman.  On February 14, 1960, he married Patricia Ann Jennings in Janesville, Iowa.  They had two children Teresa Ann Pitman and Jeff Ardean Pitman.

Ardean is remembered as a dedicated husband, parent, and business man. He was extremely proud of his wife, son, and daughter. He and wife Pat began their married life in Des Moines, Iowa where Ardean began his career with Edison Brothers Stores, Inc.  His attention to detail and direct communication skills enabled him to advance very successfully in the corporate world. For over 40 years he managed several stores in Des Moines, Kansas City, Chicago, and Columbus.  He became regional manager of the Ohio/Kentucky/West Virginia region before retiring in 2000. After taking early retirement, he worked 11 years for the Xerox Corporation where he provided service/inspection for commercial copiers and maintained customer relations for Xerox.

Ardean served in the Army Reserve from 1955 to 1964.  He was a member of the Hamilton Elks #93 — Ohio Elks Association for 25 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Fairfield, Ohio for over 40 years. 

Ardean was also a very enthusiastic race fan. His enthusiasm for racing began early on when one of his high school class mates became a successful super-modified driver at the half-mile track in Knoxville, Iowa, a mere 17 miles from Ardean’s hometown of Pleasantville.  Ardean became an avid NASCAR fan. He and his long time friend, Ed Martin,  made numerous NASCAR weekend trips.  Ardean once took part in a NASCAR racing experience driving four laps around the Kentucky Speedway track in an actual NASCAR racing car. Golf was also one of Ardean’s greatest joys. He and Pat enjoyed many rounds of golf on various courses in Cincinnati and The Villages when they wintered in Florida.

Ardean was preceded in death by parents Charlie and Leona Pitman, brother Charles Arland Pitman, sister Norma Love, and daughter Teresa Ann Billeter.  He is survived by wife Pat, son Jeff Pitman, son-in-law John Billeter and grandchildren Stephen Billeter, Kelly Billeter, and Courtney Carter. 

Services will be held June 15, 2023 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 7601 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, Ohio.  Visitation is at 11:00 and the service is 11:30.  There will be visitation and lunch after the services.