Robert Charles Bittles, age 78, lifelong resident of O'Fallon, born October 27, 1936, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2014 at home, surrounded by his family.

Bob grew up in O'Fallon, attended O'Fallon Township High School, and honorably served four years in the Air Force's 301st Field Maintenance Squadron. He retired form O'Fallon School District 90, where he worked many years as a custodian. Bob enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and tending his flower garden, but mostly he delighted in making others smile through his practical jokes, magic tricks, and jovial ways. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife Constance "Connie" Bittles; his parents James and Eloise, nee Lamb, Bittles, and a brother Bill in childhood.

Surviving are his daughters Eloise "Missy" Houghtlin of Houston, Tex., and Mary (Ed) Newton of O'Fallon; and two grandsons Rob Houghtlin and Donald Sale.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, in appreciation for the care and comfort to Bob and his family. The Hospice caregivers contributed to his quality of life for the past several months and built a friendship that Bob and his family found very valuable.

Visitation: Friends may call from Noon to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Funeral: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home with Chaplain Mike Garrison of Heartland Hospice officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Shiloh Valley Township Cemetery, Shiloh, Illinois.