Tributes

Don Juan Pittman was born November 11, 1955, to the late Ferris Benjamin Pittman and Sadie Jean Bizzle (Bizzell), at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Don was educated in the Oklahoma School System: Garden Oak Elementary School; John F. Kennedy Jr. High School, and graduated from Capital Hill Senior High School, May 31, 1974. Don also completed the Concho Career Institute, Oklahoma Branch where he completed the Professional Truck Driver Course. Don was the only child in the house, but his Mother raised him as if there were 6 kids. She didn't want him thinking he could have anything he wanted as an only child. He got his share of spankings/beatings, because when he made up his mind to do something, he did it. He used punishment as time to think of what he would do next. It wasn't a good idea to mess with or threaten him. If he didn't get You then, You could bet he would later. Don's Dad taught him how to drive at age 10. He often said "I wouldn't trade my childhood for nothing". Don's Parents encouraged him to go to College, (Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) and Langston University (Langston, OK). They taught him to experience the good and bad in life, so he would know what to do in whatever he faced. They disciplined him to understand that being the only child in the house, didn't mean You could do what You wanted to do. His Mother wanted him to play the piano, but he hated it. He practiced 3 - 4 hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 1 1/2 hours Wednesdays and Saturdays. Unfortunately, during the same year, June 11, 1965, he was lynched, which caused his attitude to change. His eight-year-old friend died, and the other friend was affected for the rest of his life. His Uncles taught him how to protect himself. From the age of 16, he was always looking for those responsible. Don grew to hate, but learned the importance of love of family, which kept him grounded. He kept this incident to himself, never wanting to talk about it for fear of being manipulated. Don grew up to respect Elders, Seniors; Women (he would never hug another Woman). He never thought he was better than anybody else. He loved helping and giving to people and treasured his Family. He was the Protector of his family. Although he put his heart in everything he did, he held his feelings and pain inside. Don’s employment included the following, Fred Jones Lincoln Mercury Dealership and CMI Corporation as a Supervisor. Don drove his Dump Truck until he went on Disability. He loved building and working on cars and Street Racing (some with the 405) a.k.a. the Street Creeper. Don was even a Bodybuilder. In 2009, Don met Errlyndia Gayle, who also shared a love for Family. As their love grew, the Lord guided, directed, protected and blessed their relationship leading to marriage, July 18, 2015. Don was described as the backbone of many, and the Lover of One. Their love for each other was evident, along with their support and partnership. They held true to their marriage vows of love through better or worse (not until they got tired of each other), sickness and health and most of all, only death would keep them apart. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Errlyndia Gayle-Pittman of Austin, Texas; five adult children: Thomas (Janet) Broiles of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Eva Peteet, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Marshall "JJ" Broiles, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kendall Pittman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jason (Kristi) Pittman, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Grandchildren: LaTraye Peteet, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Justin Broiles, Gainesville, Florida; Janelle Broiles, Atlanta, Georgia; Jasmine (Calvin) Ridenour Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Erik (Cheyenne) Maxey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Hailey Maxey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jolie Pittman, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Savannah Pittman, Midwest City, Oklahoma; two Great Grandsons: Ripley Archer Moonchild, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Onyx Stafford-Maxey, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Two brothers-in-law: James Broiles Jr. (Ethel), Edmond, Oklahoma; and William Broiles; sister-in-law Joyce Broiles-Hill, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; mother-in-law Christine Gayle, Austin, Texas; sister-in-law Charla Gayle, Austin, Texas; Betty Jean Waller (Aunt); play Sister Nehemiah (Donnell) Lindsey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Don Juan Pittman

November 11, 1955 - October 8, 2023