M.R. Pittman

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- M.R. "Joker" Pittman, 89, of Poplar Bluff died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at Three Rivers Healthcare-North Campus.

He was born March 30, 1913, in Whitewater. He married Dorothy Allene Bond in Charleston, Mo., on Oct. 16, 1938. She preceded him in death on March 18, 1946. He married Geraldine M. Harris in Piggott, Ark., on May 11, 1947. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1993.

He was a retired brakeman with the Missouri Pacific Railroad and a member of the United Transportation Union and the National Association of Retired Veteran Railroad Employees. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

He is survived by four children, Ralph Pittman of Murray, Ky., Bruce Pittman and Michael Pittman, both of Poplar Bluff, and Billy Pittman of Jackson, Mo.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will begin at 7 p.m. today at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel with the Rev. John Gilbert officiating.

Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.