Gary Pittenger Obituary
MORTON – Gary L. Pittenger, 77, of Morton, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born on March 6, 1947, in Lincoln, Illinois, to Eldon R. and Pauline A. (Lindgren) Pittenger. Gary married Stephanie A. Kennedy White on April 17, 1999, in Groveland, Illinois.
Surviving are his wife, Stephanie Pittenger of Morton; son, Jeffrey of Morton; daughter, Nicole Bankes of Morton; step-daughters, Erin (Mike) LeMar of Greenwood, Indiana, Michelle (Braden Dornon) White of Washington, and Linda (Tyler) Simmons of Morton; seven grandchildren, Neena, Hayden, Mikayla, Kylee, Gracie, Bryson and Ollie; and one great-grandson, Pierce.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Michael Bankes.
Gary was a 1965 graduate of Morton High School and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Albuquerque (New Mexico).
After serving in the USAF from 1968 to 1972, Gary began working at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria, Illinois, as a member of the UAW. He was later promoted to management as a buyer and later as a planning analyst at the Morton, Illinois facility. He retired from Caterpillar in 2004 with 36 years of service.
Upon retirement from Cat, Gary was employed by Tazewell County as a member of the Board of Review from 2005 to 2015. He served as Board Chairman for eight years.
Gary was very involved in community service and volunteerism. He served as a member of the Morton School District 709 Board of Education, the Morton Methodist Church, the Morton Athletic Booster Club, the Morton Band Boosters and as a Republican Party Precinct Committeeman. His volunteer activities included public address announcer for Morton High School athletic events for 20 years, Junior Achievement Advisor, JFL and Biddy Basketball official, Little League coach and the Jaycees.
His Jaycee involvement included membership in Morton Jaycees in which he served as local President. During his active membership, he received several regional, state and national awards for his service. His Jaycee career was highlighted with his being inducted in to the Illinois Jaycee Hall of Fame and being awarded JCI Senatorship #24804.
As a member of the Illinois JCI Senate, he served in several state and national positions including state president and National Vice President. During this time, Gary was recognized with many national awards.
Gary also served nine years as Board of Directors member of the Illinois Jaycee Charitable Foundation and then five years as Executive Director of the Foundation. In June 2024, he accomplished his lifelong goal and dream of being elected as US JCI Senate National President. In which he was still serving as at the time of his death.
Gary enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending winters in Florida, playing golf, spending time with his grandchildren, attending their activities, attending Morton High School sporting events – especially the Lady Potter basketball games. He loved playing golf since he was nine years old, played in several golf leagues and scored five holes-in-one during his lifetime. Gary was an avid fan of the Fighting Illini, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Bears.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Morton Methodist Church in Morton, with Ray Ainslie and Pastor Bill Novak officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 9, at the church. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton.