Kennells Mill, PA – Lester Vernon Bittner, 88, of Kennells Mill, PA, passed away at home on April 5, 2015 surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born July 9, 1926, in Somerset, PA; he was a son of the late Allen and Bertha (Lepley) Bittner. He was also preceded in death by sisters Alverda Bittner, an infant and Ruth Kennell; brothers, Harvey and Merle Bittner; daughters, Linda Crosby and Cleo Miller, son-in-laws, Allan Dunmeyer and Gary Lee; a grandson, Clifford Shaffer.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia (Boyer) Bittner, whom he married June 21, 1952; daughters, Mary Printy and husband Ken of Ellerslie, Diane Dunmeyer and fiancé Eddie Emerick, Donna Lee both of Kennells Mill, Betty McKenzie and husband Tom of Mount Savage; fourteen grandchildren, Jeff Printy and Wife Richelle, Melissa Caporale and husband Dave, Kelly Wolfe and Fiancé Jim Gomer, Les Dunmeyer and wife Michelle, Shawn Dunmeyer, Stefanie Crowe and husband Jason, Eric Bittner, Jason Lee, Jamie McKenzie and wife Julia, Jeremy McKenzie; , Michael, Karen and Robert Crosby, Tina Campbell and husband Bobby, Becky Miller and friend David Dietz; 21 great grandchildren; a special family friend, Charlie Fetters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

As a young man he worked as a Steelworker at the Johnstown Steel Mill. He later joined the Teamsters Union where he retired as a Truck Driver. Lester was also a school bus driver, a member of the Calvary Bible Church in Ellerslie, and a member of the Kennells Mill Sportsman’s Club. He was full of life. He enjoyed snowmobiling, stock car racing and tinkering in his garage. Family came first; he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lester also had a special bond with his dog, Susie.

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home Friday at 11 a.m. with Pastors Ken Korns and Greg Miller officiating.

Burial will follow at Comps Cemetery, Hyndman PA. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.