Jerry Bittle, creator of two popular comic strips that run daily and Sunday in the Deseret News has died at age 53. Bittle, author of both "Shirley & Son" and "Geech" died Tuesday of a heart attack while on a trip to Honduras, according to the United Feature Syndicate, which distributes the strips.
"It's a rarity for a cartoonist to create one great comic strip, and it is even more rare to work with someone who can masterfully handle two," said Lisa Klem Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of United Media's two syndicates. "Jerry was a true professional and a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed."
The final "Shirley & Son" and "Geech" daily strips will appear in the Deseret News on May 3. The final color Sunday strips will appear on May 25.
The family has created The Jerry Bittle Educational Trust in his memory for his daughters' college education. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 832271, Richardson, TX 75083.