Stephen Lee Bitner, 76, of Indianapolis, passed away December 16, 2015. Born September 3, 1939 in Huntington, Indiana he was the son of the late Robert L. and Helen G. (Baldwin) Bitner. He was a 1957 graduate of Huntington High School and received his B.A. from Huntington College, and his Masters from Indiana University. He retired from Indianapolis Public Schools as a teacher and coach in 2000 after over forty years of service. Teacher of Social Studies, History, and Physical Education/Health; Shelbyville School System, Elletsville High School, Indianapolis Public Schools (Wood High School, Arlington High School, Howe High School, Broadripple High School, Crispus Attucks High School, John Marshall Middle School), and continued as Instructor of Drivers'' Education after retirement. Stephen is a veteran of the U.S. Army 1964 - 1970. He enjoyed outdoor sports; Fishing Hunting and Golf. He participated in Field Trial Competitions with his Golden Retrievers.

He married Diane P. De Maet in 1991, and she survives. Other survivors include; a son, Jeffery A. Czap; daughter - in - law, Lara P. Czap; four grandchildren, Ava, Zoe, Ty, and Ian Czap, and a nephew, Graham Bitner. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, John B. Bitner.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2105 in Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 South S.R. 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to; Huntington University Dept. of Education at, (www.HuntingtonUniversity.edu/Education) or the Wounded Warrior Project, at (WoundedWarriorProject.org)