Robert "Bob" G. Bittle

Robert “Bob” G. Bittle, 78, of Carterville, passed away Friday, July 5, 2024, at Herrin Hospital, due to late-stage COPD.

Bob was born March 7, 1946, in Anna, to Howard R. and Juanita Pauline (Frick) Bittle.

He is survived by his brothers, Ronald (Peggy Ann) Bittle of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Randy (Lynn) Bittle of Carterville; sisters-in-law, Sharon Bittle of Harrisburg and Pamela Kay Bittle of Marion; nieces and nephews, Todd (Beth) Bittle of Harrisburg, Amy (Matt) Brombaugh of Harrisburg, Brad (Laurie) Bittle of Cape Girardeau, Lisa (Jon) Cavaness of Marion, Jason (Robyn) Bittle of St. Louis, Nathan (April) Bittle of Carterville, Max (Katie Barnes) Bittle of Columbia, Missouri, and Wes Bittle of Carterville, as well as 18 great nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Howard Dean, Richard “Dick” Wayne, and Gary Bittle; nephew, Mark Bittle; and his beloved dogs, Salt, Dobie, and Riley.  

He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force as an MP during the Vietnam War on the island of Bermuda and Battle Creek, Michigan.

Bob was an outstanding athlete at Anna/Jonesboro High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was voted “Little All American” in basketball in 1964.

Bob earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale specializing in Chinese Studies.

In June of 1989, he moved to Beijing, China, to work as an interpreter. Bob also became involved in acting in various places in China and would play the role of the American villain.  

Bob worked at Kohl’s in the Customer Service department for 19 years where he served and met many people during the long span of his employment.

Private services will be held at a later date.

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