MURPHYSBORO – Paul Bitner, age 85, passed away at 1:10 am, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home with his family at his side.

Paul was born March 2, 1940, to Arthur and Gladys (Imhoff) Bitner. He married Arlene Oetjen on November 17, 1962, in Murphysboro, IL, and she survives. Paul was a Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked as a Supervisor at Tuck Tape in Carbondale, IL. Then he began working at the Phone Company as a Cable Technician for 30 years before retirement. Paul was a member of the American Legion Post 127, Murphysboro, IL. He attended United Methodist Church, Murphysboro, IL.  Paul loved farming and farmed until he just couldn't go any longer.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, his brother-in-law, Marvin (Shirley) Oetjen and his sister-in-law, Ruthie (Curt) Graff. Other survivors include Bob (Sandy) Richards, Dan (Nancy) Bitner, Mike (Kathy) Guetersloh, Patty (Bryan) Thompson, Mary K (Carl) Cross, Becky (Bryan) Clover, John R. (Angie) Oetjen, Curt W. (Chrissy) Oetjen, Kimberly (Trent) Graff McDaniel, Ryan M. Graff, and numerous other loving family and friends. The family is especially grateful to his caregiver, Jamie Mezo for her loving care and attention.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Donald Bitner, and a sister, Ruth Ann Richards.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, 12:00 Noon, at United Methodist Church, Murphysboro, IL, with Pastor Martie McMichael and Minister Michelle Parker Clark      officiating. Burial to follow at Murdale Garden of Memory, Murphysboro, IL. Visitation will be Saturday morning, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. There will be a Military Graveside Service at the cemetery. The preferred form of Remembrance is a donation to, United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children's Hospital or Hospice of Southern Illinois and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.