Daun Jeanette Pitcher

Daun Jeanette Pitcher, 93, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph. She is now with the love of her life, Jerome "Bud" Pitcher who preceded her in passing.

Daun was born in Hartford, the daughter of Harold and Beatrice Walker, both who preceded her in passing, along with three brothers. Daun is survived by one brother, Richard Walker of South Bend, Ind. Bud was born in Watervliet Township, the son of Jerome and Ethel Pitcher, who preceded him in passing, along with five sisters and one brother.

Daun was formerly employed at the soda fountain at the drugstore in Hartford, where she met Bud who was formerly employed at Haxon Dairy, Watervliet, as a milk delivery man. Daun went on to graduate as a cosmetologist from the American College of Beauty Culture in May of 1950. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, but did work at a small salon in Hartford for a short period of time and then in a small clothing store in Hartford. In the early 1960’s Bud and Daun purchased The Dairy Bar in Hartford which became the “go to” place after sporting events. After they sold The Dairy Bar in the late 1960’s, Bud worked at Duffy Mott and the Hartford Fruit Exchange; was a fruit buyer at Silver Mills in Eau Claire and Spartanburg, S.C., and Hart, Mich., and as plant manager at Carolina Apple Processors. He retired as janitor at Hartford Public Schools. After Bud’s retirement from the schools, you would see him and Daun at many of Hartford’s sporting events, either working the boosters Green and White tent grilling hot dogs and brats or selling tickets.

Bud’s favorite pastime was his woodworking. You would see both Bud and Daun at local craft fairs selling his beautiful tables, shelves and holiday-themed wood projects. Daun was always right by his side enjoying the adventures of the craft fairs and meeting new people.

Bud and Daun (Walker) were married on Dec. 17, 1950. They had the pleasure of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17, 2020.

Bud and Daun are survived by their three children: Connie (Rick) Vanloon of Ludington, Mich., Cindy Gress of Hartford and Randy (Billie) Pitcher of South Haven; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Bud and Daun will be on Saturday, Dec. 21, at His Place Outreach Center, Hartford. Visitation will be from 1–3 p.m. with the celebration of life beginning at 3 p.m. Memorial donations in the name of Bud and Daun Pitcher may be made to the Hartford Athletic Department or His Place Cathedral of Faith, Covert. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford with arrangements. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.