Marshall V. Bittick Jr.'s Obituary
Obituary:
Marshall Vernon Bittick, Jr.
February 17, 1933 – January 24, 2025
Marshall Vernon Bittick, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and distinguished U.S. Navy veteran, passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 91.
Marshall was Born on February 17, 1933, in Kenedy, Texas, to an old Texas family which included pioneers on the western frontier and a Texas Ranger among his ancestors. Marshall spent much of his youth in Brownwood, Texas. From an early age, he exhibited strong leadership qualities and a commitment to excellence. In high school, he was an active member of the Student Council, served as Library Club President for two years, was President of the Spanish Club, participated in the Projectors Club, and held both President and Vice President positions in the Math Club. He was also a member of the Athletic Club, part of the Roar staff, and lettered in tennis for two years.
Marshall went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He dedicated 23 years of his life to the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of Commander on November 1, 1976.
As a Naval Aviator, Marshall flew the first generation of military jets, including the F-9F Panther, F-9F Cougar, F-11F Tiger, and later the A-5 Vigilante and RA-5 Vigilante in which he flew Mach 2, and finally the S-2 Tracker/C-1 Trader. He also trained in the F6F Hellcat and specialized in close air support missions. Following this, his service took him across the world, including serving in squadron during numerous carrier operations in the 1950s and a European Mediterranean tour aboard the USS Enterprise in the mid-1960s. He also served as the Aircraft Handling Officer aboard The USS Ranger in the Gulf of Tonkin operations during the Vietnam War. In the later part of his Naval career, he worked extensively in Naval Aviation Support Equipment, playing a critical role in ensuring the readiness of carrier-based aircraft.
Throughout his career, Marshall was stationed in various locations, including Miramar Naval Air Station and the Naval Air Station in North Island in Coronado, CA; Naval Air Station Beeville, TX; Naval Air Station Sanford, FL; the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; and the Washington Naval Shipyard in Washington, D.C.
While stationed in San Diego, Marshall met Frances, the love of his life. They married in 1956 and built a life together filled with love and devotion until her passing.
After retiring from the Navy, Marshall continued his work in Naval Aviation Support Equipment as a civilian contractor until his retirement in 1995. He lived in El Cajon, California, from December 1976 onward. He was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on the MLB San Diego Padres and NFL Chargers.
Marshall’s faith in Christ was a guiding force throughout his life. He was dedicated to the study of the Bible and served as a sixth-grade Sunday school teacher in Beeville, Texas. Most recently, he was a member of Skyline Church in La Mesa, California. He was steadfast in his beliefs, often saying, “I was baptized a Baptist and will die a Baptist.”
Marshall was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Bittick in 2014; his father, Marshall Vernon Bittick, Sr. and his mother, Faith Kathryn Alexander Bittick; his sisters, Kathryn and Margie Jo.
He is survived by his son, Robin Marshall Bittick, and daughter-in-law, Thieme Jackson Bittick, as well as his cherished twin grandsons, Jackson Marshall Bittick and William Alexander Bittick. He is also survived by his stepson, Ivan Earl Ringsdorf, and numerous other family members.
Marshall will be remembered for his lifelong service to his country, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his enduring legacy of strength, kindness, and faith. His Texas friendliness and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary on March 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with interment to follow at Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Fund in his memory.
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