Richard Miles Pitcher

Richard Miles Pitcher died on June 16, 2005 at Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born May 14, 1922 in Smithfield, Utah to James Edgar and Johanna Miles Pitcher. He was the third son born to the family.
Richard grew up in Smithfield enjoying the association of many cousins and living next door to Grandma Miles. He often reminisced about the good times and adventures they enjoyed. He learned to work hard while working with his father milking cows and doing farm chores. Richard attended schools in Smithfield and North Cache High School. He served for a brief time in the United States Marine Corp. He married Donna Lou Reeder in Preston, Idaho on August 2, 1941. They raised their family in Smithfield. Dad worked at several different occupations but in 1955 he became a licensed journeyman plumber. He operated Pitcher Plumbing for several years but eventually became a union plumber with local #348. He worked in the Ogden area for many years and commuted daily. Richard and Donna Lou were sealed in the Logan Temple on June 5, 1970. Health problems forced an early retirement but provided Mom and Dad many special times together. Dad and Mom enjoyed many travel adventures with their truck and trailer. Uncle Keith and Aunt Golda McCombs were favorite traveling companions. They were grateful for the experiences that they enjoyed together. They also served a temple mission for 4 years and attended the temple faithfully. Dad served as a faithful home teacher to several widows in the old Smithfield Fourth ward. He enjoyed the opportunity to serve and appreciated his companion, Wes Tarbet. Together they were quite a team.
Dad?s health has deteriorated in the last few years but he still tried to take care of things himself for as long as he could. He taught his children to work hard and be honest in their dealings. His two sons followed him in the occupation of plumber. His children and their spouses are Rebecca Ann Becky and Ivan Neilson, Logan; Maurice and Linda, Marriott-Slaterville; Paul and Elaine, Pleasant View; and Allen and Marilyn Grunig, Hyde Park. He has 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is survived by his spouse Donna Lou and one sister, Cleone Rifaat. He was preceded in death by his brothers Hal and Edgar, and one grandson, Wade H. Grunig.
Mom expresses appreciation to the staff at Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation who have provided such kindness to Dad?s requests for help and Dr. Bart Avery.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 20, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in the Smithfield 3rd ward chapel, 179 North 100 East. Friends and family may call at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday at the church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .