Leland Kay Pittman

1936 - 2025

Leland Kay Pittman

January 1, 1936 - March 2, 2025

Leland Kay Pittman, affectionately known as Lee, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of March 2, 2025. He was born on January 1, 1936, in Lame Deer, Montana, to Roy and Myrtle (Eastman) Pittman. Lee spent his childhood attending elementary schools in Busby, Custer, and Lame Deer.

From a young age, Lee had a passion for sports, particularly basketball. Despite his small stature, he excelled on the court. He made a name for himself as an outstanding player at Colstrip High School, from which he graduated. After high school, Lee proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he attended Signal School and became a skilled radio teletype operator. Upon returning home, he began his career with Polaris Engineering in Billings, Montana. His journey eventually led him to Dillon, where he met Judith Ann Reichle. They were married a short time later on August 25, 1962.

Lee and Judy eventually settled in Billings before returning to Glen, Montana, where Lee worked at the mine at Maiden Rock. A few years later, he joined Vigilante Electric in Dillon. Together, Lee and Judy welcomed three children into their family: Tami, Tater, and Trina. The family cherished their time spent camping and fishing at Browns Lake, hunting on McCartney Mountain, and participating in the 4-H youth rodeo at Garrison Arena. They made it a tradition to visit Lame Deer at least twice a year, where they would connect with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter. Tragically, Judy passed away in 1980, leaving Lee to raise their children with the unwavering support of his in-laws.

In 1987, Lee met Jeannette Stewart when her mother coaxed her into asking him to dance. They became a couple until they married (finally) on June 30, 2001. Lee welcomed Jeannette's three daughters, Jamesa, Hilary, and Stephanie into his heart and they came to love Lee as their own dad. Lee and Jeannette continued to be a "couple" and thoroughly enjoyed living life together. They danced and traveled all over. Their travels included a trip to Iceland, a weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah to attend a Garth Brooks concert, a trip to Seattle, Washington to visit his daughter Trina, numerous trips to Lame Deer and Ashland, Montana to visit his mother and siblings, many trips to Reno, Nevada and Salmon, Idaho to visit Jeannette's daughters and most recently a trip to Cancun, Mexico to attend Jeannette's Niece's wedding.

Lee is remembered for his love of family, his quick wit, and his ability to bring joy to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Lee is preceded in death by his first wife, Judy; son, Jeffrey Robinson; parents, Roy and Myrtle Pittman; older brother, Robert 'Bob' Pittman; sister and brother-in-law, June and Jim Dahle; brother-in-law, Alfred Braine; in-laws, Art and Myrtle Reichle; second in-laws, Russ and Anna Jeanne Stewart; sister in-law, Jacki (Stewart) Reed; and special friend, Ronnie Norris.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jeannette; his children, Tami (Pat) Kissell, Tater (Tammy) Pittman, Trina Pittman, Jamesa (John) Betts, Hilary (Joe) Biase, and Stephanie Taylor; his grandchildren, Thomas, Gabe, Trevone, Adrianna, Dezmond, Kylee, Kaden, Gregory, Austin, Colin, Jacob, Ben; and great-granddaughters, Timber and Nona. He is also survived by his younger sister, Ruby Braine; and younger brother, Bill Pittman.

Military Honors and interment of ashes will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery, in Dillon, Montana, followed by a Celebration of Life and luncheon at noon at the Dillon Elks Lodge, 26 East Center Street, Dillon, Montana. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Lee Pittman to the charity of your choice.