Luke Mancel Pitts

Luke Mancel Pitts, 37 of Douglas, Arizona, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  Funeral service will be Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.  Burial will follow at the Abilene Municipal Cemetery.

Luke was born on December 1, 1987 as the fourth of five children.  He had four brothers, James Larrel Pitts, Jr. (Jenny Henley), Alan Harvey Pitts (Mikaela), Timothy Marvin Pitts (Jennifer), and one sister, Alice Iva Irene Pitts.  Luke and his sibling were given names in honor of paternal and maternal grandparents and great grandparents.

Luke went to be the his Savior Jesus Christ and his mom, Patricia Ilene Pitts, on May 4, 2025, leaving behind his daddy Pastor James Larrel Pitts, Sr. (Kathleen), and siblings James, Alan, Timothy and Alice.  His aunt Betty Ann Lasley survives her husband Terrell and aunt Brenda Sue Tribur (Don), uncle Ronnie Pitts (Melissa), and uncle Lee Ballard who survives his wife, Luke's aunt, Shirley Faye Ballard remain along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Luke's paternal grandparents James Mancel Pitts and Iva Lee Pitts and maternal grandparents, J.R. Marvin Moore and Maxene Wood Moore and a cousin, Joshua Castillo have preceded him in death.

Luke was determined and persistent to finish his education graduating with a 4.0 grade point average from Bible Baptist Church Educational Services in Douglas, Arizona.  Luke had memorized the entire book of Proverbs in the 1611 Bible.  He liked history and was self taught in money management and economics, wanting to pursue these as a career.  He surpassed over 400 other applicants for employment with a gas company before becoming brain damaged at age 20 by heat and dehydration while working reading meters in the Austin, Texas heat and humidity.

Being fluent in English and Spanish, he translated for church services in Mexico where his daddy was also Pastor at Iglesia Biblica Bautista for 21 years.  Luke sang specials and played the flute for special music during church services.  He also learned the saxophone.  He enjoyed gardening as a young teenager and grew vegetable garden in the backyard and planted an apricot tree in the front yard which still produces fruit.  Luke tended to the flowers and oleanders at the church which flourished under his care.

Luke was always kind, courteous and willing to help others.  He was serious minded but also could be very light hearted.  His desire to be healed has taken place; all affliction over the moment he reached Heaven.