Verlin Franklin "Hooch" Pitts

Verlin Franklin "Hooch" Pitts, 37, Bronaugh, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. He was born Oct. 3, 1969, in Nevada. Mo., to Harry Franklin Pitts and Shirley Ann Orr Pitts.

Hooch grew up in Bronaugh and graduated from Bronaugh High School, in 1988. He was employed by Rickett's Grain for more than 10 years. He worked for Cullison Ground Works and was currently self-employed in backhoe and dozer work.

Survivors include his parents, Harry and Shirley Pitts, of the home; paternal grandmother, Lillie Mac Pitts, Bronaugh, Mo., several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his girl friend, Kim Caldwell, of Golden City, Mo. He was preceded in death by one brother, Chester Dewey "Boo" Pitts, and grandfather, Chester Franklin Pitts.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Bob Dickey officiating. Interment will follow in Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh. Friends may call 12 p.m., Saturday and until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Bronaugh Fire Department in care of Ferry Funeral Home.