Glenn Dale Pitts

Glenn Dale Pitts, 100 years old, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Miami, Oklahoma passed away on June 28, 2026. Glenn was born October 7, 1925 to Ray and Helen Pitts of rural Hockerville, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Glenn saw action in the South Pacific on the carrier USS Makin Island which engaged in battles in the theaters of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Although he never liked to share his war experiences, his military story has been published in local journals in several veteran articles. Glenn served as an Amphib, now recognized as the Navy Seals, with a mission to protect Pacific convoys and to clear bays and beaches by diving under fire from Japanese forces to disconnect and detonate water mines. His specific skills were underwater demolition missions throughout the Pacific War theater. After his underwater missions were complete, he aided returning prisoners of war to the U.S. aboard the Makin Island. After the war, Glenn returned to the northeast Oklahoma area, beginning his 39-year employment with B.F.Goodrich company. He married Helen Louise Rice on November 15, 1947. The couple enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends at their lake house on Grand Lake. After their two children were grown, they traveled the country in their RV visiting distant relatives and connecting with many friends. Glenn was widely involved with the American Legion, participating in veteran parades, conducting military funerals, and helping create a military service museum for veterans located inside the local American Legion headquarters. Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Louise, his parents, and siblings. He is survived by his children, son Rod Pitts, and wife, Sara, and his daughter, Penny Williams, as well as 3 grandchildren, Haley Jones and Nick, of Perkins, OK, Madison Powell and Trey, of Pawhuska, OK, and Aaron Williams, of Bartlesville, OK. He has 7 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews; and his loyal caretaker, Hope Carvalho, who has taken care of him, and his animals with all their silly antics during the last days of his life. The family would also like to thank Amanda Burnett, Glenn’s VA nurse, Arlene Chriswell, Glenn’s Navy Nurse, Good Shepherd Hospice Care and Heartsworth Nursing Home for their care. Graveside services for Mr. Pitts have been scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Friday, July 10, 2026, at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Miami, Oklahoma. Services have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Pitts' Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Glenn Dale Pitts

October 7, 1925 - June 28, 2026