Bruce Evans Distel, 77, of McDermott, passed away at his home on February 11, 2026. He was born in Portsmouth on July 3, 1948, to the late James William and Elizabeth Henderson Doty Distel.
Bruce, who graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1966 and was a Christian, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967. He served at the Marble Mountain Air Facility in Da Nang and earned several honors, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Bruce demonstrated patriotism throughout his life, actively participating in and supporting numerous veteran organizations. His contributions included support for the USO and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and he held memberships in the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Tim Bauer Detachment Marine Corps League. Additionally, he belonged to the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion and previously served in the post Honor Guard.
He retired after 20 years as an instrument technician at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, was an active volunteer for Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom, and was a talented rhythm guitarist, having played in area bands.
Surviving are his brother, James M. Distel of Oklahoma City, OK; special cousins, Michael (Karen) Doty of Oxnard, CA, John (Jane) Doty of Kannapolis, NC, Elaine Sissel of Rosemount, Barbara (Tim) Ohrstrom of West Portsmouth, and Patricia Doty of Medford, OR; and several other cousins and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming days.
The James Dickey Post #23 Honor Guard will perform private graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make contributions to Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom (MSPIB), P.O. Box 911, Portsmouth, OH 45662, or any veteran-related cause.
