After living with cancer for ten years, Steven Craig Bittinger of Spring, TX died peacefully September 28, 2026, with his wife, Lynn by his side. Steve was born on August 20, 1948, to Lucie Jane and Charles Bittinger in Stromsburg, NE and grew up in Benedict, NE.
A meat cutter for 40 years, Steve worked for several Nebraska Safeway grocery stores in the meat department, transferring to the Orange, TX location in 1982. He later worked at Appletree in Port Arthur and finally at Market Basket, serving as Meat Department Manager for 15 years.
Steve and Lynn met in 1990 and were married on June 16, 1992. This year they celebrated 34 years of marriage. They were each other’s best friend.
Early in their marriage Lynn gave Steve a German shepherd puppy that he named Heidi. It didn’t take long before Heidi became jealous of Lynn, refusing to allow Lynn to ride with her and Steve in his truck. When Lynn would approach the truck door, Heidi would position herself sideways on the seat, leaving no room for Lynn. Steve thought this was funny while Lynn found it annoying.
Steve and Lynn frequently took beach and gambling vacations in Biloxi, MS. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, closely following each season.
Steve is survived by his wife Lynn Payne Bittinger; his children Lisa Guidry and her husband Bo of Jasper, TX; Rob Bittinger and his wife Rebecca of The Woodlands, TX; Jason Green and his wife Felecia and Alicia Green all of Spring, TX. He will be remembered fondly by his eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was Paw Paw to JT, Brittany, Ryan, Rhett, Reese, Kaleb, Todd, Zaden, Jalynn, Jada, Jay, Jayce and Jaxson.
He leaves four siblings, brothers Cal Bittinger (Teresa) of Stillwater, OK; Clay Bittinger (Jackie) of Lincoln, NE; sisters Carolyn Simmons (Joe) of Orange, TX; and Cheryl Wiemer (Mike) of Lincoln, NE along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dee Payne of Orange, TX; brothers-in-law Daniel Payne (Jeanne) of Dripping Springs, TX and Jon Payne (Leah) of Bridge City, TX; and sister-in-law, Kris Cherry of Orange, TX.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; son, Travis Joseph Bittinger; and his stepmother, Joan Bittinger.
A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held on October 17 at the First Baptist Church Deweyville, 644 State Highway 272. Visitation will be from 10-11 am and the memorial service will begin at 11am. A reception will follow at the church. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Randy Norris, James Cabiness, Doug Cabiness, and Johnnie Lucia. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.