Richard L. Bitner

Richard "Buck" L. Bitner, 78, of Eureka, formerly of Germantown Hills, passed away at 11:29 am on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Maple Lawn Health Care, Eureka. He was born on September 21, 1936 in Peoria to Donald Lee and Hulda Mae (Cochran) Bitner. He first married Judy Mae Meyerholz and then married Judith Mae Scovill on December 6, 1988 in Tarrant County, Texas. She survives. Also surviving are children Mark Alan Bitner of Indianapolis, IN and Germantown Hills and Donald Lee (Denise) Bitner of Metamora; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; siblings Lily Hampton of Morton, Donna (Dennis) Sprague of Metamora, Jayne (James) Fisher of Hudson, IL; first wife Judy Mae Holmes of East Peoria; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Danny and Dale Bitner. He was a machinist at Caterpillar, retiring in 1988. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a musician and active in sports. He also enjoyed motorcycling and was an excellent back woodsman. He was always faithful in providing for his family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 10:00 am at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Pastor Dan Cox officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, 2014 from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the funeral home and one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Spring Bay Fire and Rescue. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com