Clark R. Bittenbender

Dr. Bittenbender died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community.

He was born Jan. 17, 1916, in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of Loyd R. and Helen M. Donnelly Bittenbender. He received a doctor of podiatric medicine degree in 1948 from the Illinois College of Podiatry.

Dr. Bittenbender began the first podiatry practice in Lawrence in 1948. He retired in 1980. He was a life member and past president of the Kansas Podiatry Assn., and the American Podiatric Medical Assn. awarded him a plaque in May 2000 for “50 years of devoted service to the profession and the public.”

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served as a trustee. He served on the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Commission from 1965 to 1968. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and member of the Lawrence Rotary Club for 55 years, the American Legion for more than 50 years and the Bushwhackers Club. He was past president of the University Club. He directed a senior exercise group for 20 years after he retired and was memorials chairman for the Douglas County unit of the American Cancer Society for 20 years. He was honored in 1997 at Douglas County Super Senior.

He married Dollie Jones Bittenbender on April 28, 1944, in Springfield, Mo. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Lee R., Lawrence; a daughter, Carol A. Bittenbender, Afton, Wyo.; and two granddaughters.

The family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Assn., First Presbyterian Church or the charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.