Larry Bittner

Larry William Bittner
August 20, 1937 – September 16, 2024
It is with very deep sadness that we announce the passing of the foundation of our family Our father, Larry Bittner was born in Tacoma, WA to Larence Franklin Bittner and Myrtle Drake Bittner. Larry was a graduate of Franklin Pierce High School class of 1956. He was a great baseball player and was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, until he broke his pitching arm. Larry joined the Army out of high school and was awarded the "Outstanding Performance of Duty" for RFA regiment, Fort Ord California. On February 2, 1958, he married Sharon Diane Daye and the two began a beautiful life together. On Larry's 21st birthday, their daughter Kim Louise was born. Thirteen months later, their daughter Debrah Ann was born on September 21, 1959, and on October 23, 1962, their son Lawrence William was born Whom Larry promptly taught to tell people his name was "Bud Bittner the Greatest".
After leaving the military he was in the reserves for 7 and a half years, and then worked in the grocery industry until he went to work for Diamond International in 1962. Dad was a perfect salesman. He had lots of fun meeting people! My dad could tell you each person's name, their spouses name and their phone numbers. Many of these clients, became personal friends of our family. Many of them would sit at our Thanksgiving table with us. He sold all kinds of paper grocery products. Dad would trade paper plates for all kinds of things for us kids. He would trade a case of paper plates for a truckload of fireworks. We had the best show in the neighborhood. Growing up, we didn't realize that our parents were young and hardworking. Money was tight for a couple in their 20's with 3 little kids but we didn't know that because we were so loved. Our dad would pack all of us into the back of an old delivery van that had bunk beds on either side, and we would head camping! Nights at the drive-in movies, in the back of an old station wagon with sleeping bags in the very back with paper bags soaked through with butter, filled with homemade popcorn. Driving to the airport to watch airplanes come and go for entertainment. Us kids went to Ice Capades and the circus every year. Our parents gave us the greatest gift possible, a wonderful childhood.
In 1977, our parents bought Midland Food Center and became a bigger part of the community. My dad knew most customers by name and would yell from across the store "Hello.." In 1987, Larry convinced his daughter to go into business with them and they cut the store in half and opened a childcare center on the opposite side of the convenience store. That business is still operating today as Midland's Kiddie Korral Inc. Childcare and Head Start.
Larry & Sharon bought a home in Tucson, Arizona in 1990 and became snowbirds. Larry was a 60-year member of the Elks Club and a member of Oakbrook Country Club since 1984.
Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Sharon, daughters Kim (Greg) and Debrah (Rick), son Bud (Kristi), along with 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Larry had so many friends throughout the years, who will miss his smile, laughter and very kind heart.