Robert Bitler

G. Robert Bitler, 90, of Knightstown, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Henry County Hospital following a brief illness. He was born July 3, 1921 in New Castle the son of Clyde and Anna (Burkholder) Bitler.

A 1939 graduate of New Castle High School, he graduated from Purdue University, School of Agriculture in 1943. He then enlisted in the Reserve Corp but was called into active duty in May, 1943 and served 33 months in the Army Medical Department. He farmed for several years while raising his family. He served as Henry County Building Commissioner, Contracting Officer of Big Blue River Conservancy District, Sheriff Reserve, Knightstown Town Marshal, and County Commissioner. He also served on the Henry County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, South Henry School Board, and State Director of Purdue Agriculture Alumni Board of Directors.

Bob was a past member of the Spiceland Lions Club, Knightstown Kiwanis, Salvation Army Board, Murat Shrine, Henry County Shrine Club, 4-H Board and Agricultural Extension Board. He also was active in the Knightstown American Legion Post 152, VFW, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, Historical Society, and Spiceland Friends Meeting. He served with Southwest District Ambulance Service, then as Special Deputy Sheriff to work with Job Search for the Henry County Work Release program from which he retired in 2006.

Bob married Betty Lou Cooper on August 12, 1944. They had two sons, Chris Brian and Robert Kent, both graduated from Spiceland High School and Purdue University School of Agriculture, both served as Purdue University Extension Youth Educators, and then Agriculture Educators. Bob is survived by grandchildren, Jeffery (wife, Kendra) Bitler, Heather (husband, Loren) Garrison, Sarah Bitler (companion, Shaun Satkoski), Michael Bitler, Jonathon Bitler, and Ashley Bitler. Great grandchildren, including Raven and Layla Satkoski, Andrew, Austin, and Ashley Garrison, Blake Robert and Gavin Bitler.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Betty Lou (Cooper) Bitler; two sons: Chris Brian and Robert Kent Bitler.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2012 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in Knightstown. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Knightstown American Legion Post #152. Friends may call from 12-2 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2012 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion Scholarship Fund, 224 E. Main St., Knightstown, IN 46148 or Spiceland Friends Meeting PO Box 27, Spiceland, IN 47385. You may express a condolence or share a memory of Bob at www.hinsey-brown.com .