Charles “Merle” Bittle, 89 was born in his home in Loma, CO on 06.17.1929, and passed away in Casper, WY on 08.07.2018. He was the son of Charles “Boyd” Bittle and Beatrice Watkins Bittle. Merle married Evelyn Louise Snodgrass on 06.10.1951. Merle’s passion growing up was farming; however, he and Evelyn moved to Casper in 1962 where they raised their two children when he accepted a position at Petrotomics Uranium Co. After retiring from the uranium industry, he worked at the Natrona County Parks Department in maintenance at Alcova Lake, and later retired to enjoy time at his lake home.
Merle was a friend to everyone he met. He was always the life of the party, and had an infectious laugh and personality! He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, and spending quality time with family at his summer home “Bittle’s Easy Livin’ ” at Alcova Lake where he also enjoyed watching the birds, rabbits, deer, and butterflies. Birthdays and holidays were always special occasions on the deck at the lake.
Merle is survived by his daughter Merlene (Leo) Maddox , son, Gary (Charla) Bittle, Sister Judy (Herb) Winebarger, Nephew Justin McKelvey, Grandchildren Colbi Maddox (Carl Hill), Lauren Maddox (Kris Anderson,) Kendra (Jason) Aanestad, and Jasie Bittle (Joe Moore), Cousin Kay Root, and “Man’s Best Friend,” Buddy.
Graveside Services will be held in Fruita, CO at Elmwood Cemetery at 10:00 AM on 08.11.2018. A reception will follow at Independence Village, Fruita, Colorado
A memorial service will be held in Casper at a later date to be determined.
Donations may be made to Casper Humane Society 849 E. E St. or Christian Worship
Hour, P.O. Box 2002, Aberdeen SD 57402
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Vincent John Haley
Haley, Vincent John of Casper WY passed peacefully at his home on Mon., Aug. 6, 2018, at the age of 93. Born on Dec. 28, 1924, to Edward Leo & Victoria Gatti Haley, he attended Denver’s St. Catherine’s school. Transferred by Burlington Rr, Edward moved the family to Casper where Vin graduated from St. Anthony’s in 1939. Triggering a lifelong love of cars, older brother Ned let 12-yr.-old Vin drive his 1932 Auburn after scrubbing the wheels. Both birth home & Auburn are still family owned.
Popularized by Daisy, a Chevy convertible, he graduated from NCHS in 1943 as a proud member of the “Women Haters Club.” The day after graduation, he reported to duty as a bombardier/nose gunner on a B24 Liberator in the 8th AF, 714 Div., 417 Bomb Squadron, 448 Bomb Group. With 35 missions, 28 over Germany & 7 over France, his flak- damaged helmet is displayed at a Norfolk, England, museum. After WWII, failing to find a single motorcycle for sale, he drove his car to UW, a short-lived stint due to the impact of his car’s popularity upon studying. In 1948, he married his on-again, off-again high school sweetheart, Susan Joyce Seidel, & worked at Standard Oil Refinery (from which he retired in 1984) as an instrument man, supplementing that with fun beer deliveries with friend Vic Niethammer. The last surviving member of a Supper Club of close friends who met for 50 yrs., Vin, a craps expert, enjoyed a party & partygoers enjoyed his quick wit.
Vin is survived by his children, all of Casper: Becky Steensland (Larry), Christy Haley (Gregg Welton), Michele Potter (David), & Jeff Haley. His grandchildren include Heather Potter (Vegas) & Heidi Potter Paredes (Victor) (CA) with great- grandchildren Navy, Judah, & Levi Paredes; Stacie Steensland Gaudet (Stephane) (British West Indies) with great-grandchildren Elodie & Bastien Gaudet; Steinar Steensland (Minneapolis); Sterling Steensland (Hannah) (Casper); foster grandson Trevor Wroble (Casper). He is also survived by sister-in-law June Ann McDaniel, niece/nephews John & Rob McDaniel, Greg & Steve Stewart & Mary Sue Stewart Simpson, Ted Haley, & Don & David Traut. He was preceded in death by his wife Susan in 2003, by Rita Moore in 2014, by brother & wife Ned & Wan Haley, by sister & husband Mary (Haley) & Bob Stewart, by in-laws Wyborne & Betty Lou Traut, by nieces Wani Haley Clark & Vicki Haley Timmons, & by nephew Jim McDaniel.
Vin requested a graveside service to be held at Highland Cemetery, south entrance, at 10 a.m., Mon., Aug. 20th.
Memorials to the WY Veteran’s Museum, 3740 Jourgensen Ave., Casper 82604 would be appreciated.
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