Neil K. Bitting

Neil Keith Bitting, 84, of Corpus Christi, Texas died peacefully on August 21, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Galesburg, Illinois. He was on an extended trip visiting relatives when he died unexpectedly after a brief illness.

He was born on January 2, 1940, in Buda, Illinois, the son of Clarence “CF” and Margaret “Peg” (Carper) Bitting. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jackson Bitting, on June 14, 1959. She proceeded him in death on November 30, 2021.

After spending most of their early married life in Illinois and Iowa, Neil and Sandy relocated their family to Texas in the early 1970’s. Neil worked in the steel business in San Antonio, Texas and later in Corpus Christi, Texas, until his retirement in 2002. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Corpus Christi, Texas for many, many years.

Neil is survived by three children Joellen (Kevin) Klohn of Kerrville, TX, Mark (Jeanene) Bitting of Corpus Christi, TX, and John (Corina) Bitting of Corpus Christi, TX; five grandchildren, Katie (Hunter) Miller, Emily (Josh) Shoemake, Charlie (Margarita) Bitting, Senior Airman E4 Ryan Rodriguez, and Ryanna Rodriguez; five great grandchildren, Judson Shoemake, Bailey Shoemake, Wesley Shoemake, Darien Bitting, and Eleanor Bitting; a special brother-in-law, Marv Buckman; a special niece, Susie Lanier; numerous brothers-in law a sister-in law; and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra (Jackson) Bitting; parents, CF and Margaret Mary “Peg” Bitting; brother, Boyd Bitting; sister, Nancy Phillips; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Bitting, Mildred Dean and Ruth Buckman; brothers-in-law, Bob Phillips and Danny Joe Jackson; and his beloved uncle, Lt. Colonel Daniel “Uncle Danny” Ropp.

Cremation rites will be accorded. No services are planned at this time per his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be directed to Bunker Hill Church, 322 School Street, Buda, IL 61314 https://bunkerhill.church/.