Samuel 'Sam' Pitman Obituary Samuel Charles Pitman April 13, 1941 - August 31, 2024 Samuel Charles Pitman, born on April 13, 1941, to Howard Pitman and Clara Parks Pitman, lived his entire life in the Wilson area of Owyhee County, Idaho. He began his education at the little red schoolhouse in Wilson, attending there for his first five years. When the Wilson school consolidated with the Melba School District, Sam continued his education at Melba, graduating in 1959. His high school years were filled with sportsfootball being his favoriteFFA, and working on hot rods with his friends. After graduation, Sam and a group of buddies left on an unforgettable road trip to Tijuana, Mexico, where he had the upholstery in his 55 Chevy redone in tuck-and-roll style. He often recalled returning home with just $13 in his pocket, thanks to his Aunt Mae. In 1961, Sam joined the Air National Guard at Gowen Field, where he served for six years. At one point, his unit was prepared for deployment to Vietnam, having received all the necessary vaccinations, only to be replaced by another unit at the last moment. Sam married Rosalyn Elordi, on August 30, 1969. That fall, they purchased the family farm from Sams father, marking the beginning of Sam's successful career as a dairyman. Sam became the first farmer in the area to cut his hay four times a season instead of the traditional three, increasing the protein content for his cows. He continually experimented with new techniques to improve milk production, proof of his relentless work ethic. The farm was the perfect place to raise their three children: Jeff, Anna, and Jenna. The kids worked on the farm right along with their Dad, and Sam instilled in his children the values of hard work, common sense, and a 'git-r-done' attitude. Over the years, his influence extended beyond his own family to many young men, from relatives to Boise State football players. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan from the teams inception, Sam also had a deep love for Boise State football. He took immense pride in watching his son Jeff play on the famous blue turf during the early 90s, a joy that continued when his grandson, Nicholai, followed in his fathers footsteps, playing for the Broncos as well. In his retirement, Sam found fulfillment in his many hobbies, including restoring classic cars and horse-drawn farm equipment, collecting car memorabilia, hunting for arrowheads, and researching the history of Owyhee County. He enjoyed time spent with friends, whether it was coffee with his car buddies, his friends at Carls Jr., or Thursday meet-ups with his Melba friends at Cooks 2 Hole. Sam was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing in Owyhee County creeks, and taking four-wheeler rides through the Silver City area and Roses family homestead, Sheep Camp. A lifetime member of Elks Lodge #1389, Sam enjoyed the camaraderie of Friday night dinners and his favorite bartender, who knew how to 'add more color' to his highball. Above all, his greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his eight grandkids. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Clara, and his brother, Byron. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rose; his children, Jeff (Gina: Nicholai, Jacob, Isabelle), Anna (Pat: Samantha, Madeline, Emerson), and Jenna (TC: Harper, Sloane); and many extended family members, including two special cousins, Patti Parks O'Kelley and Harvey Pitman. Memorial activities will start at Nampa Funeral Home - Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave S, Nampa, 83651 with a viewing from 9:00 - 10:30 am. Memorial services will be at Nampa Elks Lodge #1389, 1116 1st Street South, Nampa, 83651 starting at 11:00 am; lunch will be served immediately following from 12:00 - 1:30. Participants are invited to meet at Nampa Funeral Home-Yraguen Chapel, at 2:00 to follow Sam and the family out to Melba Cemetery, 7277 Base Line Road, Melba, 83641 for graveside services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sams memory to Elks Lodge #1389, or the Owyhee County Historical Museum. Services Visitation Saturday September 14, 2024 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Celebration of Life Saturday September 14, 2024 11:00 AM Nampa Elks Lodge 1116 1st St S Nampa, ID 83651 Graveside Service Saturday September 14, 2024 2:30 PM Melba Cemetery Baseline Rd. Melba, Idaho 83641