Orville Clayton Pitts

Orville Clayton Pitts passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024 at his home in Dorris, Ca. Orville was born on March 18, 1938 to Goldie Hendrickson Pitts and Ernest Pitts. He attended grade school in Macdoel Ca, and then Butte Valley high school, then later went on to  join the marines in 1955 and served as sergeant, was an 0311 Infantry rifleman  and honorably discharged in 1958,  He then joined the Army in 1960, and was sergeant and became an Intel specialist for special infantry operations and honorably discharged in 1963. Orville was raised by his aunt and uncle, Russell and Leona Bretches most of his childhood. In his childhood he spent most of his time on their ranch in Macdoel, Ca. Orville married Elizabeth (Betty) Pitts (Otey) and they had 3 children, Julia (Pitts) Vercellotti (Bill), Russell Pitts, and Louis Pitts (Janice). He has 8 grandchildren, Christopher Sellars, Kelli Coelho (Joe) ,Kayla Shaw (Josh), Katie Russell, Michael Kelley, Travis, Rob & Neali Evans. He is survived by his Children, Grandkids and great granddaughters Chelsea Sellars, Kaylee & Colbie Coelho, Shelbi Langford, Paisley Kelley, & Cora Owen. His great grandsons Logan, Liam, Lucus, & Levi Shaw, Oliver Concannon, Mason King, Cole, Wyatt, Kye, Jake & Noah Evans. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Orville worked at the Dorris Lumber mill for 38 years plus, and retired from there. He also bartended at the Bar 40 saloon in Dorris. He was an avid hunter, and fisherman. He loved to ride horses and do cowboying on his time off in his younger years. On his days off from work you could also find him down at the Klamath River with his horse, fishing or taking in the outdoors. 

Orville was preceded in death by his wife Betty Pitts, Mother, Goldie Pitts, Father, Ernest Pitts, His aunt and uncle who raised him, Russell and Leona Bretches, 3 brothers, Donald, Marvin and Kenneth Pitts. His sister June "Darlene" Moon, Uncle, Dale Hendrickson, and Grandsons Christopher Sellars & Travis Evans.

Davenport's funeral home in Klamath Falls, Oregon is in charge of arrangements. Graveside services with full military honors will be at Picard cemetery 3117 Picard Rd, Dorris, Ca 96023 on March 8th @ 11:00 am.

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