CYPRESS, CA: Hitchens Leaves a Legacy.

Wayne Alexander Hitchens, 80, native to Chillicothe, Ohio passed from this life on March 5, 2015 in Cypress, California, after an extended illness.

He was born on November 17, 1934 to Roy Hitchens and Madelyn 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 1960's.
Wayne was baptized 1969 and a member of First Baptist Church.
He was active in the community until July 2003 when a fall limited his mobility.

In previous years, Wayne coached Jaycee Tackle Football, YMCA Flag Football and in 1993 co-founded Chillicothe Pee Wee Tackle Football Organization, also known as Future Cavs Football.

Wayne coached Scioto Valley Little League Baseball, VFW League Baseball and Pony League Baseball where he also served as Secretary/Treasurer.

In his early years, Wayne served on numerous boards and committees such as the Jaycee's, Circle K and the NAACP.
During the 1960's and 70's, Wayne help lead movements to desegregate public facilities in both Ross and Pickaway counties.
Wayne and his brother Robert first introduced Women's Softball to Chillicothe in the 1970's. Wayne desired to promote activities for youth and to improve the community.

Wayne retired from Mead Chilpaco in 1994.

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.

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, OH 45601.
There will be a donation box at the memorial service for those attending.
His online guestbook is available at www.HallerFuneralHome.com



Haller Funeral Home
1661 Western Avenue Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2149

Published in the Chillicothe Gazette from Mar. 7 to Mar. 13, 2015