Orlan Bitner Sr.

Orlan Bitner, Sr, age 98, passed away at his home near Lovelady, Texas on Saturday, January 6, 2024. He was born on April 4, 1925 near the town of Lovelady to Willie and Ola Mae Bitner. He attended Lovelady High School and was Valedictorian in 1942. He met the love of his life, future wife, Beth Higginbotham at Lovelady High School. After Beth's family moved to Beaumont, he moved to Beaumont to make sure she did not get away. She would not marry him until he turned 20. They did everything together. They were weekend ranchers for thirty years. They worked during the day and on Saturday night they went out to eat with their friends, Larry and Barbara Shupak. The four of them ate in every restaurant between Palestine and Huntsville, Lufkin and Madisonville. They took turns driving, whomever drove did not have to pay for dinner.
Orlan worked in the commercial plumbing industry in Houston for 52 years. He was a Journeyman Plumber, Superintendent, partner, and owner of Keith Plumbing and Heating Co. for 43 years. Keith Plumbing built numerous landmark projects in Houston including Greens Point Mall, The Astro Hall, The Summit, Greenway Plaza, Allen Center, Wells Fargo Bank Bldg., Pennzoil Place and many other buildings. He was a member, and past President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Houston. He was on many boards and committees of Plumbers Union Local 68. He retired full time to his ranch in 2005. His favorite pastimes were raising cows and baling hay with his close friend Larry Shupak.
He and Beth were instrumental in reviving the Methodist Church at Shiloh. He was the greeter and usher. He arrived early to prepare the church, made the coffee. He prepared the Communion on Communion day. He mowed the grass and maintained the grounds. He was known as Mr. Shiloh.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Beth Bitner; brother, Ray Bitner; sister, Dorothy Brasher. He is survived by his four children, Orlan Bitner, Jr. and wife, Jan, Janet Bitner, Judy Barron and husband, Kevin, Joe Bitner and wife, Michelle; five grandsons, Jonathan Wood, Jordan Wood, Austin Bitner, Jameson Barron and wife, Jordyn, Kyle Bitner; sisters, Mary Wiggins and Jean Brasher; and closest friends, Larry and Barbara Shupak, Jerry Krenek, Lainnie and Bob Gouldie.
Funeral services for Orlan Bitner, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Crockett. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Callaway-Allee Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shiloh Methodist Church c/o First United Methodist Church, 701 E Goliad Ave, Crockett, TX 75835.
Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com
CALLAWAY-ALLEE FUNERAL HOME