Jerome "Jerry" S. Pitney

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Jerome “Jerry” S. Pitney, 79, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 1, 2017 following a lengthy illness.

Jerry was born September 4, 1938 in Wamego, Kansas, the son of Jerome J. and Freda L. (Smith) Pitney. He attended Wamego schools and graduated in the class of 1956 from Wamego High School. He lived in Wamego all but a few years of his life. In December of 1958, he married Carol Jean Ebert in Wamego and together had three sons. They later divorced. He then married Willette Martin and they later divorced.

following high school, Jerry went to work on the family farm. He also worked as the parts manager for Wamego Truck and Tractor from 1975 - 1985 before attending Missouri Auction School. He worked as an auctioneer for 22 years until his retirement. During that time, he was a faithful member of the Kansas Auctioneers Association, serving one term as president, and in 2014 was honored with an induction into the Kansas Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

Jerry was an avid K-State sports fan, especially baseball.  He attended every sporting event he could with his favorites being those played by his grandchildren.  He loved finding opportunities to get the family together, especially for the 4^th of July festivities in Wamego; with the fireworks display, carnival, and parade he enjoyed since childhood. In more recent years, he wasn’t just a viewer but a parade entry; chauffeuring his grandchildren down Main Street in his vintage car. Friends and family also enjoyed celebrating holidays with Jerry’s special homemade hand-cranked ice cream. 

Survivors include his three sons: Jerome (Neoma) Pitney, Farmington, N.M., Russell (Wanda) Pitney, Abilene, KS, Rodney (Pam) Pitney, Alma, KS; three grandchildren: Brandy (Andy) Braun, Sophia (Avery) Simecka, and Eli Pitney; two great-grandchildren: Jynger Woodward and Mason Braun; two step great-grandchildren: Dallas and Cody Braun; one sister, Patricia (Charles) Smith, Overland Park, KS; nieces: Nancy (Glen) Stramel and Carol Ann (Aaron) Garton; nephews: Mark (Roxanne) Smith and Bruce (Kim) Smith and many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Pitney will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Burial will follow in the Wamego City Cemetery.  Jerry will lie-in-state on Thursday, December 14, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home and visitation from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or to the Kansas Auctioneers Association & Auxiliary Scholarship Program, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.