BAZINE — Calvin James Wittman, age 80, of Bazine, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, at Methodist North Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. He was born May 17, 1942, in rural Bazine to Theodore and Wilma (Hoersch) Wittman. He was a lifelong resident of Bazine and member of the Bazine Congregational Church. On Oct. 11, 1970, he married Earlene Roberts at the Christian Church in Larned, Kan.   

He was a 1960 graduate of Bazine Rural High School and later served on the Bazine USD 304 School Board. He worked for 42 years as the “Grader Man” for Ness County Road and Bridge. He served on the Fair Board for 28 years and was inducted into the Kansas Fair Association Hall of Fame for outstanding and meritorious service to the Kansas Fair Industry, January 2005. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He also enjoyed farming and raising livestock which allowed his sons to be very active in 4-H. His service to the community was recognized by all.  

He will be remembered for his interest in people, friendly demeanor, and his uncanny humor.  

He is survived by his wife Earlene (Roberts) Wittman; sons Mark Wittman, Memphis, Tenn.; Darin (Amanda) Wittman, Bazine, Kan.; Luke (Tara Elliott, Great Bend, Kan.) Wittman, Bazine, Kan.; sisters Ardella (Urban) Gathman, Larned, Kan.; Ethel (Clarence) Foos, Bazine, Kan.; and Willetta (Alex) Bieker, McCook, Neb.; and grandchildren Tuff and Saylor Wittman, and Tenley Wittman. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Bruce Wittman; and brother, Raymond Wittman.   

Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the St. Paul Congregational Church in Bazine. Burial will be at the Bazine Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Saint Paul Congregational Church or Ness County Fair Association. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Fitzgerald Funeral Home

207 N. Pennsylvania Ave

Ness City, KS. 67560

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 18, 2022