John William Pitts, age 51 of Odin, passed away on December 20, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. John was born on May 13, 1970 in Salem the son of Paul and Elaine (Tate) Pitts. He married Julie Terry on September 29, 2012 and she survives in Odin. In addition to his wife Julie Pitts, he is survived by two children, Tanner Pitts of Centralia and Sophia Pitts of Odin; two step-children, Sebastian Orasco and fiancé Krista of Granite City and Anastasia Orasco and fiancé Jeremy of Walnut Hill; two granddaughters, Belle and Cecilia; mother-in-law, Wanda Lemons; seven siblings, Rhonda Brown of Carmi, Ken Pitts of Odin, Brenda Stanford of Flora, Marty Pitts and wife Gail of Alma, Mary Brimberry and husband Brad of Alma, Steve Pitts and wife Nita of Salem, and Randy Pitts and fiancé Barbie Meirink of Centralia; eight nieces, ten nephews, nine great-nieces; and three great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rocky Pitts; sister-in-law, Cindy Pitts; and one brother-in-law, Ronnie Brown. John was employed with Kirby Risk for many years, and worked for the last five years in management. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Patoka. He enjoyed going to all games during the Centralia Holiday Tournament. He loved watching his son participate in sports. He was part of the chain gang while Tanner was on the Orphans football team. He enjoyed camping with his family and throwing bags, he even competed in several bags’ tournaments. He loved his role as Papaw to his granddaughters. His fur babies Diesel and Sloan will miss their dad too. He loved his wife and kids. Anyone that met John became his friend. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Funeral services for John William Pitts will be held at Noon on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with David Kueker officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service on Thursday. The family asks those attending the service to please wear a mask.