John Pittman

John Francis Pittman, 88, of Danville, Illinois passed away on April 14, 2010 at the Hawthorne Inn in Danville. John was born June 18, 1921 in Villa Grove, Illinois son of Edward and Maude (Purvis) Pittman. He married Florence Gerdausky on June 30, 1946 in Danville. She preceded him in death. Survivors include two children: Mark (Cindy) Pittman and Janet Nichols both of Danville; four grandchildren: Amanda (Geoff) Olmstead of Ft. Collins, CO, Chase Pittman of Danville, Marcy (Jim) Kalina of Laguna Niguel, CA and Marisa (Josh) Gordon of Zionsville, IN; two great-grandchildren: Jake and Katie Gordon; sister-in-law Jane Gerdausky of Covington, IN; also three nieces: Judy Simmons of San Diego, CA, Carol Call of Lexington, KY, and Kathy (Don) Hesler of Covington, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents. John was a graduate of Danville High School and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He worked as advertising director at the Commercial News for over 40 years, retiring in 1977. John was a member of the board of directors of Vermilion County Chapter of American Red Cross, charter member of Northland Christian Church, former chairman of the board and elder of the church, former director of the Chamber of Commerce, past member Danville Planning Commission, Danville noon Kiwanis Club, Olive Branch Lodge #38, Ansar Shrine, former Scout Leader and member of Piankeshaw Council, and served as a Red Cross volunteer at Lakeview for several years and later became supervisor of patient transport at the hospital. John lived his entire life as an amazing testimony of his love for Jesus Christ. His dedication to his wife Florence throughout their entire marriage was a model for all to witness, especially during the last 7 years of her life as he faithfully cared for her, through her illness, spending everyday with her at the nursing home. John loved his children and raised them to be followers of Jesus Christ. He instilled in them the importance of love, compassion, honesty and hard work. Johns integrity and character are now a legacy to be carried on through his children Janet and Mark, his daughter-in-law Cindy, as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many more generations to come. John was a Patriarch in the local churches. Many years ago John was a member of Second Church of Christ until there was a need to branch off and form Northland Christian Church. Because of John and Florences dedication and faithfulness, they were asked to become charter members of Northland Christian Church. A congregation formed, so that more lives of people in Danville may be touched, by the love of Christ. After serving at Northland Christian Church for a little over 40 years another need arose and the call was made for them to become involved in the merging of two congregations, Northland Christian Church and Old Union Church of Christ. Once again they answered the call and became charter members of what is now CrossRoads Christian Church. There are not many men on this earth like John, his life has touched many, and because of him, there are much better people in this world. A Celebration of Johns Life will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Crossroads Christian Church 3613 N. Vermilion Street with Pastors Miles Clark, Doug Hargrave, and Raymie Gordon officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 Monday evening at the church. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville. Memorial may be made in Johns name to Crossroads Christian Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com