Rex Allen Pitchford, 72, of Raymond, died on Friday, April 9, 2021, at 7:50 a.m. at his home.
Visitation will be heldMonday, April 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church in Raymond. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 13, beginning at 11 a.m. at the church with the Very Rev. Albert Allen, V.F. officiating. Burial will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Raymond. Due to CDC guidelines, social distancing and masks will be required.
Mr. Pitchford was born Sept. 4, 1948, in Hillsboro, to Cecil and Frances Marie (Mark) Pitchford. He married Jeanne Krager in 1966, and they later divorced. He later married Diane Elizabeth Wehrle on Aug. 2, 1975, in a log cabin church at Turkey Run State Park in Rockville, IN, and she survives.
He graduated from Lincolnwood High School with the class of 1966. During his career, he was self employed as a professional truck driver. He worked with Holland Trucking and finished at ABF Freight Lines. In addition, he served as a driver for Wood Farms for several years.
Mr. Pitchford was a member of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church in Raymond. He served as an EMT and volunteer firefighter for the Raymond-Harvel Fire Department. He was on the Raymond Fourth of July committee and served on the Raymond Village Board.
He was a member of the Midwest Truckers Association, Teamsters Local 916, and life member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed auto racing, Indy Car, NASCAR, stock car and demolition derbies.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Pitchford is survived by his two sons, Richard Pitchford and Michael (Laura) Pitchford, both of Springfield; brother, Darrell (friend Juanita Mosby) Pitchford of Raymond; sister, Linda (Alan) Weller of Carlinville; three granddaughters, Cecilia, Valerie and Rebecca Pitchford; three stepgrandchildren, Angela Baskin, Julie McGeath and Luke McGeath; seven great-grandchildren, Cayden Michael Parker, Layla Parker, Lucas Jackson, Patrick Orrick, Althea Orrick and Anna Orrick; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Raymond-Harvel Volunteer Fire Department or Raymond-Harvel Ambulance Service.
To light a virtual candle or sign the online guestbook, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
