Garold B. Bitner II, “Gerry” 77, Kokomo, peacefully passed away surrounded by family Monday November 4, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo.
He was born on February 27, 1947, to the late Garold B. and Edith L. (Thomison) Bitner. He married Kay Dowden at Upper Deer Creek Church, Galveston, on September 17, 1988, and she survives.
Gerry graduated from Kokomo High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1966 – 1969, where he earned the Air Medal for his courageous service, flying small planes in Vietnam below radar to conduct reconnaissance missions. When he returned from the war, Gerry earned his Bachelors and MBA from Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business.
Gerry worked for General Motors in several positions, including Purchasing Director, retiring after 25 years of service. An entrepreneur and inventor, Gerry secured patents on household inventions in his retirement. Gerry and Kay co-owned Strands Salon where they have made lifelong friends. When their children were school-aged, Gerry and Kay were members of Upper Deer Creek Church where Gerry taught Sunday school. Gerry was a 32nd Degree Mason in Howard Lodge, and member of the Shrine Club. During his time with Delco Gerry chaired American Cancer Society Drives and served with the United Way. With his generous heart, Gerry gave to multiple charities and was a lifetime member of the Hospital Cheer Guild. Gerry was very energetic and always had projects that he was working on. He had a talent for woodworking and home improvement. Gerry was blessed with a happy retirement in which he enjoyed fun times around the pool with the family, playing golf, riding his Harley, following IU sports, enjoying his Corvettes, and especially spending time with his dearly loved wife, Kay.
Along with his wife Kay, Gerry is survived by his children, Sarah (Craig) Swoverland, Bryan (Amy) Bitner, and John Bitner; grandsons, Ari and Ian Swoverland; sister, Barbara (Bob) Linzey; brothers-in-law, Ron (Denise) Dowden, and Tim (Lee) Dowden; and several nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garold and Edith.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful nurses at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo who cared so sweetly for Dad and the family. Stephanie Greer, Cayla Colburn, Raquel Cripe, Ashley Taylor, and Michelle Vandergriff, we can never thank you enough.
With strength, love, and laughter, he was the heart of our family. We rest in knowing we will see him again one beautiful day in Heaven. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
A funeral service will take place at 1pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at First Congregational Church, 505 W Mulberry St., Kokomo, with Pastor Jon Tice officiating.
Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, with military rites provided by the United States Army and the Greetown American Legion.
Friends are invited to visit the family from 11am to 1pm on Thursday at the church.
Shirley & Stout Funeral & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gerry’s memory to assist Veterans receive housing through Jackson Street Commons.
Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
