Charles (Chuck) Howard Sitler, Jr. (72) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home on November 23, 2024. Chuck was born June 4, 1952 in Richland to Charles and Eula (Scott) Sitler, Sr., and lived the entirety of his life in the Tri-Cities. He was the youngest of his five siblings.

Chuck was preceded in death by both his parents, his sisters Shirley and Carol and his in-laws Ralph and Betty Stevenson. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years Gail (Stevenson) Sitler; his two children Dwane (Angela) Sitler (Kennewick) and Wendy (Eric) Wilz (Pasco); six grandchildren Taylor Sitler (Marvin) (Kennewick), Malik (Rachel) Sitler (South Carolina), Kenzie (Cressler) Gerhard (Pasco), Hannah (Dustin) Sitler (Kennewick), Seth Wilz (Benton City) and Ellie Wilz (Florida); and 7 great-grandchildren with another one due in February.

In 1971, Chuck graduated from Columbia (Richland) High School. He then enlisted with the US Air Force and completed his basic training at Camp Lackland Air Force Base. He married his love Gail Stevenson in a small ceremony in 1971 before heading to California where he was first stationed at Beale Air Force base. Sergeant Sitler was then deployed to Thailand and then to Guam Air Force Base where he worked as an electrical mechanic on B-52 bombers and jets.

After his time in the service, Chuck worked for Valmont Northwest/Valley Irrigation and then Brand Insulation before he started as a truck driver for 10 years at Lamb Weston and finally 18 years with Apollo Inc. where he retired in 2021.

Chuck enjoyed spending his spare time fishing local rivers and fishing holes. He could always count on receiving his annual fishing license as a Christmas gift from his family.

Chuck and Gail's favorite vacation was visiting Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast but even more than the ocean he really enjoyed spending time in Columbia Park. He loved to enjoy a Zip's pineapple milkshake along the shore of the river. Always asking Gail if she wanted to get dinner and go enjoy it at the Park.

By far his most prized possession was his family. The grandbabies were the sparkle in his eye. The kids have fond memories of spending time with him at many parks, getting slurpies and playing outdoors in his yard.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 30 at 10 am at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Kennewick.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Chuck's memory to Disabled American Veterans DAV www.help.dav.org or call 1-(855)-619-HERO (4376).