(August 4, 1916 – June 5, 2007)

Brigadier Lambert Gale Bittinger was promoted to Glory from Largo, Fla.

Lambert was born in Keysar, W.V., to Mahlon and Ethel Bittinger. His mother introduced her four young children to Salvation Army activities in Connellsville, Pa. Lambert converted at age 11, which led him to enroll as a soldier, corps cadet, and bandsman.

In 1939 he entered the New York Training College as part of the Hold Fast session and was commissioned in 1940. He married sessionmate Lieutenant Ruth Fullmer in 1942. Together they served as corps officers in New York City (Bronx Citadel); and Bellaire, Canton, and Warren, Ohio. The Bittingers served around the territory until 1969 when God called them to the then–Caribbean & Central America Territory, where Lambert became the territorial financial secretary. They came back to New York in 1973.

Upon retiring in 1981, Brigadier Bittinger lived in Asbury Park, N.J., and served as finance officer at the Retired Officers Residence. He began dividing each year between New Jersey and Pinellas Park, Fla., finally settling in St. Petersburg in 1989. Lambert remained active in retirement by visiting shut–ins with the corps’ League of Mercy, serving as president of The Salvation Army Retired Officers’ Association (SAROA), and golfing with friends.

Lambert was a man who earned the respect of others. As an officer, he remained true to himself. He was a faithful servant of God and a man of prayer. He will truly be missed, but his influence will live on in the Army.

Brigadier Bittinger is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Ruth; son, Lambert G. Jr. of La Crescenta, Calif.; daughter, Virginia Taylor of Redondo Beach, Calif.; four grandchildren; and four great–grandchildren. Letters of support may be sent to Mrs. Brigadier Ruth Bittinger, Pinecrest Place, 1150 8th Ave. SW, #924, Largo, FL 33770.