James E. “Pete” Pitsenbarger, 81, formerly of Crawley, WV, peacefully left this world while at his camp on the Greenbrier River on Thursday, June 1, 2017, surrounded by family and friends who loved and respected him. Being at his camp brought him joy and peace in his final hours.
Born April 21, 1936, at Crawley, he was the son of the late Lowell and Juanita Smith Pitsenbarger.
Pete graduated from Rupert High School in Rupert, WV, where he exceeded in academics and sports. He then graduated from West Virginia University.
He married Shelvie Jean Hunter in 1958 and started a family. After exploring several different jobs, divorcing, and moving to Kanawha County, WV, he found his niche, working for the West Virginia Department of Reclamation in Charleston. Peter retired in 2001 as chief of mine and land reclamation. He loved the outdoors, was an avid sportsman, and loved dogs. Pete was a good friend to those who knew him and will be sadly missed.
Family left to cherish his memory are his children and grandchildren, Janie Bostic and her children, James Garrett, Shannon Dakota, and her son, Owen and Katy Bostic; Keven M. Pitsenbarger and his children, Keven II, Colbie Jo, and her son, Chase; his sister, Jo Pitsenbarger; his wife of 43 years, Reba Fleshman Pitsenbarger of Elkview, WV; and her son, Rich Deyerle, who Pete raised as his own.
Pete was a simple man who didn’t like a lot of fuss. His children and friends are holding a celebration of life at the Rupert Community Building on Sunday, June 18, 2017, from 3-6:30 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Information submitted by Smathers Funeral Chapel Inc. in Rainelle, WV.
Obituary originally published in the June 9, 2017, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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