Lonnie E. Pittman, Sr.

Lonnie E. Pittman, Sr. passed away surrounded by family on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, in Lockhart. He was born on Oct. 20, 1924, in Dale, Texas to Lenford and Lillie Pittman. Mr. Pittman was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lola Risinger; and a brother, Charlie Pittman.
His family is proud to recall him as a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his co

untry. Lonnie proudly answered the call of his country in 1943, to serve in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman 3c, on the flight deck of the USS Kadashan Bay, CVE 76. He saw action in the capture of the Southern Palau Islands and the Leyte Island landings and at the Battle for the Leyte Gulf where he was on one of the northern groups of Jeep carriers facing the Japanese fleet. He then participated in the Mindoro Island landings and in the Lingayen Gulf, Luzon Island. There, on Jan. 8, 1945, a Zeke suicide plane hit the carrier at the water line. Lonnie was cited for “Meritorious Service” for saving the lives of several comrades that were trapped below deck.
Lonnie participated in his families grocery business for 25 years and completed his business career owning and operating Pittman”s Ready to Wear clothing business on the Square of Lockhart after 27 years. During these years he served his community as a member in the First Lockhart Baptist Church. He was Past Master of Lockhart Masonic Lodge #690; was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Austin Scottish Rite and Past District Deputy Potentate of the Ben Hur Shrine and a Cavaneer. Lonnie had been active in the Lockhart Kiwanis and was a past Lockhart Chamber of Commerce Manager and President of the Lockhart Little League.
Lonnie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lou. They were married on April 7, 1952, in Lockhart. They had three children; Roxy Ann and husband Bobby Fogle and their son Jeff; Nancy Lou and husband Billy Fogle and their daughters Lindsey and Brittany; and Lonnie “Chip” Jr. and wife Amy and their sons Dusty, Michael, Brooks and daughter Emily. He is also survived by a brother, Austin and wife Elenor Pittman, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. at McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart, Texas. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 at McCurdy Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Gary Rodgers officiating. Interment followedat the Lockhart City Cemetery.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Charles Laurence and his wife Cheryl and special angels at Chisolm Trail Nursing Home. Memorials may be made to First Lockhart Baptist Church or Scottish Rite Children”s Hospital or your favorite local charity. Arrangements under the care of McCurdy Funeral Home, 512-398-4791.