Karl Emory Bittner

Karl Emory Bittner, of Frostburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 7, 2023.  Born February 8, 1936 in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James and Rosella (Steinly) Bittner.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Donna Jean Bittner, and brother Paul Bittner.

Karl was a graduate of Meyersdale High School.  He retired after 38 years of service from Allegany Ballistics Laboratory where he was an explosives operator.  He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge Mt. 99, Cumberland Scottish Rite, and a 50 year member of the Ali Ghan Shrine, Mounted Patrol Unit.

Karl is survived by sons Mark Bittner and wife Debbie, Dwayne Bittner and wife Pam and a daughter Lori Miller and husband Jim.  He is also survived by a sister Doris (Dan) Elliott.  In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren; Sarah (John) O’Neal, Jeremy Bittner, Tyler (Erika) Miller, Kelsey (Cody) Malone, and Kendra Miller.  He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren; Henson Kai Miller, Kolson Kyler Malone, and Ridleigh Anora Miller.

Born on a farm, Karl never lost the love of a farmer’s life.  There was no other tractor than a John Deere.  He loved working, riding and re-storing antique farm size tractors, of which he owned three, John Deere models 520, 620 and 720.  His favorite was his 620 which he used in competitive tractor pulls.

As a child, Karl contracted and survived polio with the assistance of Shriners Hospital.  He vowed to pay forward what he received by becoming a Shriner.  He made 90 trips to Shriner hospitals in Cincinnati and Philadelphia transporting children for treatment.

Family and friends will be received at Sowers Funeral Home, 60 W. Main Street, Frostburg Maryland Sunday December 10^th from 3-6 pm.  A Masonic service will be conducted at 5:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held Monday December 11^th at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  Officiant will be Rev. Dwayne Hay.  Internment will be at Frostburg Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Miller, Jim Miller, Jeremy Bittner, John O’Neal, Cody Malone and Bill Hunt.

Sowers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sowersfh.com.  Donations may be made in honor of Karl to the Ali Ghan Shrine Shepherd Unit, 13100 Ali Ghan Road NE, Cumberland MD  21532.