Howard Dean Bittle

     Howard Dean Bittle, 87, of Harrisburg passed away at 12:45 AM, Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

     Dean was born on March 23, 1936 in Alto Pass to the late Howard Rolla and Pauline (Frick) Bittle.  On August 19, 1961 he married the former Sharon Thomas of Quincy, Illinois and she survives in Harrisburg.  Dean honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He served on the last ship to pass through the Suez Canal before the bombings that closed the canal. After his service to his country, he graduated from Southern Illinois University. Dean was a retired banker who formerly worked for University Bank of Carbondale and from there he moved to The Bank of Harrisburg. After he retired from banking, he sold insurance and owned a real estate appraisal business, Dean Bittle Appraisals. Dean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg where he formerly served as deacon and trustee, and he was also formerly an active member of Harrisburg Kiwanis Club. Dean was a kind person and was known by his grandchildren and many others as “Poppa Dean”. He was an avid Harrisburg Bulldogs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Fighting Illini fan. Dean had a passion for golf, and could often be seen working in his yard.

     In addition to his wife, Sharon, Dean is survived by his son, Todd Bittle and wife Beth of Harrisburg; daughter, Amy Brombaugh and husband Matt of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, Christopher Bittle of Los Angeles, California; Alexander Bittle of Greencastle, Indiana; Patrick Bittle of Champaign, Illinois; Sarah Bittle of Harrisburg, Andrew Bittle of Harrisburg; Ben Brombaugh of Harrisburg, Sofia Brombaugh of Harrisburg, and Miles Brombaugh of Harrisburg; brother, Ron Bittle and wife Peggy of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; brother, Bob Bittle of Carterville; brother, Randy Bittle and wife Lynn of Carterville, sister-in-law, Kay Bittle of Marion and several nieces and nephews.

     Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Pauline Bittle; son, Mark Bittle and brothers, Richard Bittle and Gary Bittle.

     Funeral services for Howard Dean Bittle will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Laurie Fields will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy, American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and Veterans for Foreign Wars. Visitation will be held from 12 PM to 2 PM, Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Harrisburg High School Athletics and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard Dean Bittle, please visit our floral store.