COLLINSVILLE- Ronald W. Pitts, 81, of Collinsville, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Ronald was born on January 27, 1936, in Collinsville, IL to James Dalton and Helen, nee Gerstenecker, Pitts. He married Janet Anderson on May 10, 1958 in Collinsville, IL. She survives and resides in Collinsville, IL.

Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Marines from 1953-1957. He was a member of St. John Evangelical United Church of Christ in Collinsville, IL., and the Collinsville American Legion Post 365. He enjoyed traveling and cruising with his wife Janet and friends, bowling and coaching soccer. Ronald was a sports fan and rooted for any team playing against the Cardinals. He was employed as a sales representative and driver for Pepsi for 34 ½ years.

Surviving are his children, Ronna G. (Mark) Cooper and Gina L. Izard, both of Collinsville, IL; three grandchildren, Kelly (Chris) Madura of Maryville, IL.; Randall (Terra) Cooper of Troy, IL., Jeremy Izard (Allison Tyberendt) of Collinsville, IL., 4 great-grandchildren, Sydnee and Chase Cooper, Jace and Kinley Madura; siblings, James (Jane) Pitts of Alton, IL, Karen (Mike) Garner of Collinsville, IL, Deborah (Richard) Vierdag of Troy, IL, and Tamara (Joe) Whitton of New Port Richey, FL.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father James Pitts, mother, Helen, nee Gerstenecker, Pitts, mother, Alline, nee Gerstenecker, Pitts and one sister, Dorothy Faye Pitts.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Collinsville American Legion Post 365, or to St. John UCC in Collinsville, IL. Donations can be received at the funeral home or at St. John Evangelical UCC prior to the service. Additional condolences may also be sent to the family through this online guestbook.

VISITATION: Visitation for Ronald will be held 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2018, at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

FUNERAL: Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018, at St. John Evangelical United Church of Christ, Collinsville, IL., with Rev. Marvin Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.