Frederick Clarence Bittner Jr., 78, of Decatur, Indiana passed away on Thursday at his residence following an extended illness. Fred was born on April 1, 1930 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Frederick C. Bittner Sr. and the late Lucille (Miller) Bittner. He married Patricia J. Abbott on July 31, 1954 at Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Fred was a longtime Union Township farmer and a bus driver for North Adams Community Schools for 24 years. He had also worked at Fruehauf, Central Soya and Fleetwood. He was a longtime active member of the Cornerstone Community Church in Decatur, Indiana. Survivors include his wife, Patricia J. Bittner of Decatur, Indiana, daughter, Darleen Bittner of Decatur, Indiana, son, John (Lydia) Bittner of Glennie, Michigan, son, Steven (Joyce) Bittner of Decatur, Indiana, son, Mark (Lori) Bittner of Convoy, Ohio, son, Thomas (Carrie) Bittner of Decatur, Indiana, son, James (Stacey) Bittner of Decatur, Indiana, and eight grandchildren; Andrew, Matthew, Megan, Brad, Michelle, Daniel, Jaron & Luke Bittner. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ashley Marie Bittner. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2008, in the Cornerstone Community Church in Decatur with the Rev. Mark Beers officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Preferred memorials are to the Cornerstone Community Church.
