Robert Birtwhistle

Robert E. Birtwhistle, 85, of Bremen, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Robert was born on February 25, 1927 to Seth and Helen (Eberly) Birtwhistle in South Bend. He married Betty Brantley on May 30, 1947 in Walkerton.



Robert attended Bremen High School. On January 5, 1945, he entered into active service with the United States Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Center. He served heroically on the USS William C. Miller and the USS Grasp during WWII. He was honorably discharged on July 9, 1946 after being awarded the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. Robert was always very proud and spoke quite often of his military career. He went on to be a life time member of his local VFW.



He later enjoyed his job as a truck driver, working on the road for over 40 years. He liked to brag to his granddaughter, that he had driven more miles in reverse, than she had in drive. Robert didn't know a stranger; he had many friends and was well liked. He also enjoyed golfing in his spare time. Robert was a friendly and loving man that loved spending time with his family.



Survivors include his wife Betty, a daughter Becky (Rick) Hatfield of LaPaz, and two grandchildren Brant Birtwhistle and Lynndy Birtwhistle both of Bremen.



He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Kathy Birtwhistle, and a brother Ted Birtwhistle.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 1:30 PM in the Bremen Cemetery, Bremen, Indiana.