James E. “Pete” Pitsenbarger, 81, of Elkview, WV, went to eternal rest on Thursday, June 1st, 2017, in Greenbrier County, WV. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends, at the place he so dearly loved, the cabin in the woods on the Greenbrier River.

Pete was born on April 21st, 1936, to Loral and Juanita Pitsenbarger of Crawley, WV. He was a graduate of Rupert High School where he excelled in sports, was the president of the student council and was a drummer in the school band. He attended Glenville State College, and graduated from West Virginia University. After college he worked as a field technician for John Deere, then as an inspector for the WV Department of Highways. He was an avid sportsman, and loved nothing better than trout cooked over a camp stove with a skillet full of fried taters and big mess of ramps. His love for the outdoors led him to take a job with the WV Department of Natural Resources as an inspector of Surface Mines. He eventually became Chief of Reclamation / Abandoned Mine Lands, and worked for the department for 30 years before retiring in 2001. He was a Master Mason, and a member of Jarrett Memorial United Methodist Church.
Pete was predeceased by his parents, Loral and Juanita, and by his first wife and the mother of his children, Shelvie Jean Hunter. He is survived by his wife, Reba Fleshman Pitsenbarger, of Elkview, WV; sister Sandra Jo Pitsenbarger, of Cross Lanes, WV; three children: Janie Bostic, of Rainelle, WV; Keven Pitsenbarger, Sr, of Rainelle, WV; Richard Deyerle, of South Point, OH; seven grandchildren: Garrett Bostic, Kaitlyn Bostic; Shannon Bostic; Keven Pitsenbarger, II; Colbie Pitsenbarger; Reba Deyerle, and Rosemary Deyerle Shrader; and several great-grandchildren Of special note is his nephew Jonathan Whitt, whom he loved like a son; and Danielle Thomas, whom he loved as a granddaughter.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 1st, at 2:00 p.m., at Hafer Funeral Home in Elkview, WV. Visitation will be from 1:30pm to 2:00pm prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, he asked that donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA. 19140. Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St. Charleston, WV 25311

Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview WV 25071.