Wayne Hitchens

Hitchens Leaves A Legacy. Wayne Alexander Hitchens, 80, native to Chillicothe, passed from this life into the presence of the Lord on March 5, 2015 in Cypress, CA, after an extended illness. He was born on Nov. 17, 1934 to Roy Hitchens and Madeline Kinney Dixon in Ross County, Chillicothe, Ohio. Survived by his children, who were born of his union with the late Lois "Sally" Powell Hitchens, are two sons, Wayne Anthony Hitchens (Dayton, OH) and Kirk David Hitchens (Shaker Heights, OH); and two daughters, Lisa Kay Lucas (Cypress, CA) and Kara Lynn Hitchens (Kettering, OH); six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Etha Dixon Graves, Marcella Hitchens, and Virginia Harbin; two brothers, Kenneth "Bo" Hitchens and Benjamin "Larry" Hitchens; an aunt, Mildred Kinney Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Ralph Dixon, Arilene Hitchens Thomas, Robert Hitchens, Roy Burrell, and Ethel Mae Pettiford. Wayne graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1952 and attended college at OU-Chillicothe in the late 1960s. Wayne was baptized in 1969 and a member of First Baptist Church. He retired from Mead Chilpaco in 1994. Wayne was active in the community until July 2003 when a fall limited his mobility. Wayne is known for being an avid sports fan. He was involved in coaching and developing young men and women in their athletic skills. In his early years, Wayne coached Jaycee Tackle Football, YMCA Flag Football and in 1993 co-founded Chillicothe Pee Wee Tackle Football Organization, also known as the Future Cavs Program. He coached Scioto Valley Little League Baseball, VFW League Baseball and Pony League Baseball where he also served as Secretary/Treasurer. Wayne and his brother, Robert, first introduced women's softball leagues to Chillicothe in the 1970s. He also served on numerous boards and committees such as the Chillicothe Jaycees, Circle K International, and the NAACP. During the 1960s and 70s, he helped lead movements to desegregate public facilities in both Ross and Pickaway counties. It was his desire to promote activities for youth and to improve the community. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Chillicothe Pee Wee Tackle Football Organization, P.O. Box 733, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. There will be a donation box at the memorial service for those attending. The family will receive visitors Saturday, March 14 from 2-3 pm at Haller Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm, officiated by the Rev. Eric Carson, the Rev. Jonathan McReynolds, and his nephew the Rev. Robert Hitchens. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.
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