Thurman L. Bitzell

Thurman L. Bitzell, 83, North Manchester, IN died at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. He was born September 5, 1931 in Wabash, IN to Raymond L. & Ruth L. (Gill) Bitzell. As a child, he and his father attended many horse shows and raced horses. He graduated in 1950 from Chester High School, North Manchester, IN. He served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955. He then was a salesman for Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, IN. He operated a service station in Huntington, IN for several years. He then was employed at Wayne Metal, Huntington, IN as a welder and retired after several years of service. Thurman was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW, American Legion and Elks Lodge. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed racing motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his companion, Edna Bitzell, on September 30, 2011. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends may call Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2014 at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Pastor Mary Lu Mikesell will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Thurman Bitzell, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814. To send a private condolence to the Bitzell family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.