John Edward Wittenbraker

John Edward Wittenbraker, Sr., formerly of Newburgh, Indiana passed away Wednesday, July 22 at the Hallmark Senior Living Community in Houston, Texas. He was born October 29, 1933 in Evansville to the late Carl Simon and Mary Ellen (Ritzel) Wittenbraker. John served as Principal of Castle High School for 18 years before moving on to Assistant Superintendent and then Director of the Warrick County School Corporation. Prior to that he served as the Director instrumental and vocal music at Castle where he composed Castle Fight Song. He retired in 1995, but came out of retirement in 2006 to serve a year as Interim Principal of the Evansville Lutheran School. He was active in professional educational associations, including the NASSP where he was honored in 1986 as Principal of the Year for Indiana. He also served as the President of the Warrick County Board of Health. A life long bass player, he played tuba and string bass in a variety of organizations including the 36th Army Band, Temple Aires, River Brass Band, The Old Dam Band, The Dixielanders, and the Red Banks Reunion Band. He also served on the boards of the Evansville Symphonic Band and the Evansville Jazz Society and was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. John was a graduate of Bosse High School and Indiana State University. He was a member and served on the Vestry of Peace Lutheran Church and as an Elder at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Wathan and brothers, Robert and Thomas Wittenbraker. John is survived by his wife, Carol (Gray) Wittenbraker, Dr. John Wittenbraker (son) and Dr. Kathleen Harring, Paul (son) and Brenda Wittenbraker, and Elaine (daughter) and Awny Gabriel, and his granddaughters, Carolyn Wittenbraker and Jasmine Gabriel. Because of the current public health conditions, interment will be held in private at Rose Hill Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a future date where family and friends can gather together in the Newburgh area. Memorial contributions may be made to the River Brass Youth Band, 3418 Robin Hood Drive, Evansville, IN 47720. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.