William "Bill" Bittle

William “Bill” Bittle, 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Capital Region Health Center surrounded by family.  Bill was born on May 8, 1933 in Tuscumbia, MO, a son of the late Ralph and Elizabeth (Williams) Bittle.  He married Josephine Thuli on June 29, 1955 at the Naval Hospital Chapel in San Diego, CA.  She survives of the home.  Bill and Josephine would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 29th.

Bill was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #7133.  He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the Navy as an EM4-Electrician from 1952-56 and 1956-60 in the Naval Reserves.  He was a man of many talents.  He worked as a welder for Darlington Dairy Supply and Culligan Water.  He was owner of Bittle Plumbing and a turkey farmer.  He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and loved all kinds of hunting and fishing.  He loved his family and friends and knowing no strangers was a large part of his life. 

Survivors include,

His children, Mary Ellen (Bob) Rustemeyer of Raymore, MO; Ramona Mormann of Wardsville, MO; Juanita (Greg) Jarrett of Eldon, MO;  Jim (Angie) Bittle of Rocky Mount, MO; Theresa (Matt) Harenza of Carthage, MO

Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren, Brett & Joseph Rustemeyer; Kyle (Hailey) Noah, Natalie Mormann; Katie Ortbals, Cole & Lydia; Kaleb (Katy) Mormann, August & Heath; Seth (Mallory) Jarrett, Caroline & Crosby; Sarah (Brian) Cusworth, Eleanor & Watson; Anne, Luke & Emma Jarrett; Christian (Jarrod) Campbell, Kaydith & Hannah; Carma Bittle (Jim High); Jayme Bittle (Adam Cummings); Jessica Harenza; Jeremiah (Jenny) Harenza, Ivan & Etta; two more great grandchildren on the way.

A Grandson, Matthew Harenza preceded him in death. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.  Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Callistus C. Okoroji and Deacon Mark Thuli officiating.  Full Military Honors following the Funeral Mass.  Private Burial will be held at Eugene Cemetery.

Memorials in his name are suggested for Masses to the church or to the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.    

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