Claude Earl Pittenger entered this world in Chickasha, Oklahoma, about 8:00 p.m. on February 13, 1924, according to his mother. However, the story is told the doctor was so intoxicated he didnt know what day it was, and signed the birth certificate with February 12 as the date. And if you ever asked Claude when his birthday was. . .you heard the story. On November 20, 1925, a little red-haired girl, Marie, joined the family. Claude grew up during the depression and his family tried many different ways to survive. They rented out rooms at their house and the four of them lived in the kitchen, living room and a back screened canvas covered porch for their bedroom summer and winter! Claudes life story is one of overcoming an abusive, spiritist father because of a faithful praying mother and a minister uncle, Rev. Julius O. Himes, who became a very supportive influence in his life. It was during this time as a teenager that Claude answered his call to preach and preached his first sermon at the Chickasha Church of the Nazarene. After his father was out of the home, Claudes mother had to find ways to survive and began using her baking skills to make fresh bread and rolls. And that began Claudes career in sales. Every day after school he would take the fresh bread door to door. He always sold out and never had a slow day. After high school graduation, Claude worked as a telegrapher for Western Union and then joined the 145th Army Airways Communication System Squadron. While on leave he met Ellen Rogers, who was renting a room from his Uncle Julius. It was love at first sight, and Claude and Ellens first date was to a revival service. After Claude was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, Claude and Ellen married on June 25, 1946. Claude graduated with honors from Bethany Peniel College in 1949. In July, their first child, Betty, was born and six weeks later the family of three moved to Shawnee, Kansas to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City. While in Kansas City, the second daughter, Jean, was born. In 1953, the family moved to Fairbury, Nebraska for Claudes first pastorate. And a third daughter, Claudia, was born. In 1956 the family moved to Chanute, Kansas, where the only son, Steve, was born. Claude also pastored churches in Pratt, Kansas; Kilgore, Texas; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Conroe, Texas. Claude was very active in district activities and served a total of 25 years as district secretary. Claude was also always involved in the local ministerial alliances, where he was often president. He was a life member of Optimist International and served as its Lieutenant Governor for the State of Kansas. While stationed at Honolulu, Claude and a friend became concerned that there was no Nazarene Church in the area. They became instrumental in the establishment of a Nazarene Church there, and as part of his 90th birthday celebration, Claude returned to that church to celebrate with them. Even beyond the years of pastoral service, Claudes devotion to ministry was evident as he served as a chaplain for Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and led a weekly "Gospel Hour" at Heritage Assisted Living, including writing a weekly newsletter. Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, his mother, Amelia Himes Pittenger, and his sister Marie King. Surviving Claude are daughters Betty (Jim) Cooper, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jean Scott, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Claudia (Peter) Stesiak, Phoenix, Arizona; and son, Steve (Shannon) Pittenger, Yukon, Oklahoma, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cooper-Pittenger Scholarship Fund at Southern Nazarene University, 6729 N.W. 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Wednesday, October 24, 2018 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing will be Wednesday, 9am-9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, Chapel in the Round Thursday, October 25, 2018 2:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Burial following service at Bethany Cemetery