Bruce Bender's first Sensei William (Bill) Tittle passed away March 31, 2018, at his home after a long hard-fought battle with Asbestos of the lungs. Sensei Tittle was Bruce’s first Judo instructor beginning September 1969. He was born in Burnt Prairie Illinois to Martin Tittle and Mae Southard. At 17 years old he joined the US NAVY. While in the Navy he went completely around the world. He crossed the Arctic Circle and the Equator, other places he traveled to were Cuba, Haiti, Italy, Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea where he became a Korean War Vet. He was on the U.S.S WASP aircraft carrier. His job was to take care of all the oil and water on the ship. They called him the Oil King. At 19 years of age he got married to the only girlfriend he ever had, Roberta Overholser Tittle. They were married 63 years. He worked at Fisher Body for 31 years in the Powerhouse before retiring. He had a small engine repair and saw sharpening shop. Bill was the 1st Black Belt in Judo in Grant County. He was also a 2-time State Champion in Judo. He was a Commander of VFW Post 6728 in Gas City, In. He enjoyed his Grandkids and Great Grandkids, and they enjoyed him just as much. He never raised his voice to anyone. He would always enjoy a cigar (never inhaling) once a year on his Birthday with his favorite Son in Law, Jim. He loved watching the Indianapolis Colts until they started taking a knee during the National Anthem and disrespecting the flag he fought for. He never watched a Football game after that. Bill is survived by his wife, Roberta, daughter, Carol (Jim) Bradshaw, sons, Tim (Linda) Tittle and Jim (Tonya) Tittle. 7 Grandkids, Jimmy (Amber) Bradshaw, Eric Bradshaw, Drew (Veronica) Tittle, Jordan (George) Kilgren, Katie Donald, Annah (Cal) McRae and Danny (Amber) Tittle. 15 Great Grandkids, Levi and Addallynn Bradshaw, Claire and Graham Tittle, Carson, Kade, and Beckham Kilgren, Hunter Tittle, Layten and Maysen McRae, Abbigale, Jase, and Ivy Donald, Danielle and Josh Geesey and a brother he loved, Dennis Tittle. Dad was proceeded in death by his parents, a son and daughter in law, Daniel (Kathy) Tittle, 2 granddaughters, Erin and Jennifer Tittle and a sister, Mary Ford. |
