The Herald Democrat
July 28, 2008

Hayden Pitman, 85, passed away on July 25, 2008, at Pecan Point Assisted Living Center in Sherman. Dannel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be held at Key Memorial United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 28. Rev. Albert Fisher will officiate, assisted by Rev. Allen Snider. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery,
Hayden was born in Sherman on June 26, 1923, to Alfred C. and Lillie Ann Pitman. He attended White Rock Elementary School and graduated from Sherman High School in 1941. He lettered four years in football and one year in track. On Dec. 25, 1941, he married Mary Frances Reid. Three children were born to their happy union of 63 years: Richard Lynn, Debbie, and Monte.

During World War II, he worked for North American Aviation. At the end of the war Hayden and Mary Frances entered the grocery business with her father, C.R. Reid. They operated Reid's Grocery and Market for 42 years, and on their retirement in 1990 sold the business. They remained in Sherman. Hayden was a member of the Texoma Squares Dance Club for 40 years, the Builder Uppers Sunday School Class at Key Memorial for 58 years, Dads' Club at Jefferson School for 4 years, and Hurricane Creek Country Club for 10 years.

The death of Mary Frances in 2005 ended the story of a loving marriage of 63 years. Hayden said, "If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change one thing. It has been so perfect."

Preceded in death by his parents and wife, Hayden is survived by these family members, all of whom he loved dearly:
son Richard and wife Teddy of Sherman, daughter Debbie Williams and husband Ted of Luella, son Monte and wife Leslie of Kerrville; grandsons, Brian Pitman of Austin and Dennis Pitman of Denton; granddaughters, Emily Williams-Hillger of Irving, Ali Williams of Lubbock; step-grandsons, Chris Parker and Craig Parker of Sherman; and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be: Brian Pitman, Dennis Pitman, Justin Hillger, Matt Schultz, Craig Parker, and Chris Parker.

Memorials may be made to Key Memorial United Methodist Church, 901 E. Houston St., Sherman, TX 75090 or Meals on Wheels 1500 N. Broughton St., Sherman, TX 75090.