Robert ‘Bob’ G. Bittle

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

He was born on March 7, 1946, in Anna, the son of Howard R. and Juanita Pauline Frick Bittle. 

He is survived by his brothers, Ronald (Peggy Ann) Bittle of Cape Girardeau 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, Mo., and Wes Bittle of Carterville; as well as 18 great-nieces and nephews. 

He 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 served in the U.S. Air Force as an MP during the Vietnam War on the island of Bermuda and in Battle Creek, Mich.

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

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

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

He 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.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville is in charge of cremation services. For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com.