Published: November 07, 2009 01:26 am      

Douglas Bitner

COMMERCE — Douglas Everett Bitner, 76, passed away peacefully Nov. 5, 2009.

He was born to Bryant Houston Bitner and Zuma Corrine Wills on Feb. 21, 1933, in Lovelady, where he grew up and graduated from the Lovelady High School. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and farming.

He went to work for Temco Aircraft Corp. of Dallas in 1952 until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, serving until 1956. He returned to Temco following the completion of his military duty and remained there until 1968 when he was transferred to the Greenville division. He retired from Raytheon in 1991 (now known as L-3).

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Rollo and Dorothy Simpson.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lillie; his sons, Michael Bitner and wife Sharon, Gary Bitner and wife Deniece, Darrell Bitner, and Glen Bitner, all of Campbell; several grandchildren, Jeremy Bitner of Cumby, Blake Bitner of Greenville and Hayley Bitner of Sulphur Springs; a great-grandson, Brannon Bitner of Greenville; brother Gene Bitner and wife Betty of Lovelady; two sisters, Billie Looker of Grapeland and Mary Mayes of Pasadena; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Centerhill Cemetery in Lovelady.

Online condolences may be made at www.jones-walkerandson.com