Jerry D. Bitner, 87, of Chambersburg, passed away on May 3, 2023 at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born March 12, 1936 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Jacob H. and Sarah E. Carmack Bitner. His beloved wife, Mary V. Logue Bitner, preceded him in death on May 6, 2020.
Jerry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chambersburg and also a member of the American Legion Post 46 and VFW Post 1599. He was also Past President of St. Thomas Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. Jerry loved watching and attending Baltimore Oriole’s baseball games and watching horse races.
He is survived by three daughters, Saundra K. Defenderfer of Chambersburg, PA, Karen S. Chmelovsky (Peter Dolan) of Sparks, NV, and Carla J. Hill of Lucedale, MS; six grandchildren, Adam Defenderfer (Heather), Brandon Chmelovsky (Virginia), Jordan Chmelovsky, Justin Howarth (Crystal), Cody McCoy (Jerica), and Ricky Howarth, Jr. (Carenda); nine great grandchildren; and two sisters, Phyllis Brehm and Susanna Farner, both of Chambersburg. Aside from his wife and parents, Jerry was preceded in death by grandson Joshua Chmelovsky; great grandson Danon Defenderfer; and three siblings, Richard L. Bitner, Joanne Bowman and Betsy Marcavitch.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. Rev. Ruth Smith will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 431 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA.