Albert L. “Al” Pitts

January 23, 1927 - February 20, 2018

Albert L. “Al” Pitts, 91, of Rapid City, died at the Regional Health Hospice House on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

Al was born on January 23, 1927 in Wheatland, MO, to Sylvan and Beulah (Pine) Pitts. Music and singing has always been Al’s passion. As a hardworking young boy, he sang solos at festivals, contests and with many quartets through his high school years. In 1945, Al enlisted in the army and was sent to Texas for training and service for three years.

Al attended the University of Kansas City and while working toward his music degree, he was in all the musicals and productions. He sang with the Kansas City Light Opera Company and was a soloist at the Kansas City Grand Ave Methodist Temple. Al was then recalled for active duty by the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at the Rapid City Air Force Base. Here too, with his big bass voice, he found time for singing. Forming the Metronomes, an official Air Force barbershop quartet which sang for many events. These four Metronome friends remained dear throughout the years. He was a soloist with the Rapid City Choral Club and member of the Festival Singers. Al joined the First Congregational Church and sang in the choir for over 62 years. It was here he met Marjorie Preheim and they were married on June 7, 1953. Following his Air Force service at EAFB, Al began a career in car sales, working with several dealerships in Rapid City until his retirement. He continued singing solos and sang in many different quartets throughout the community. He helped establish the Shrine of Democracy Barbershop Chorus, directing for 17 years and was known in the barbershop community as “Mr. Barbershopper”. Additionally, Al was a longtime member of the Masons, becoming a Shriner and a Jester.

Al’s heart was huge and he enjoyed his many dear friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, and his community.

Al’s greatest joy and sense of accomplishment would be the four daughters that he and Marjorie raised. He leaves behind Marjorie, his wife of 64 years, his daughters Susan (Scott) Springer of Wenatchee, WA, Rebecca Pitts of Kirkland, WA, Julie (Jack) La Croix of Rapid City, SD and Nancy (Jon) Husby of Houston, TX, seven grandchildren, Jesse, Ingrid, Joshua, Maxwell, Joel, Alexander and Arie, along with eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and two sisters; Leah Ruth and Wilma.