Howard Eugene Hitchings

Howard Eugene Hitchings, 92, of Raymond, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Litchfield. He was born in Raymond, IL, on August 20, 1933, a son of Howard Glenn and Ruby Clair (Garard) Hitchings. He graduated from Raymond High School and went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married the former Mardelle Marie Brune on July 5, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvel, IL. She preceded him in death April 20, 1971. He married the former Patricia Ann Polston on May 20, 1972, in Hillsboro, IL. She preceded him in death February 18, 2018. Gene was well-known in the agricultural industry as a fertilizer sales agent for over 50 years with Kaiser Chemical Company. He was a member of the Raymond Methodist Church-A Community of Faith Church, and of the Raymond American Legion Post 299. Gene enjoyed fishing and woodworking and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Gene loved spending time with his family and especially hosting family Christmas dinners and serving prime rib.

Gene is survived by:

Sons, David (Nadine) Hitchings of Raymond, Daniel (Kara) Hitchings of Farmersville, Douglas Hitchings of Litchfield and Jimmie (Marla) Hitchings of Waggoner

Son-in-law, Ben Pollard of Litchfield

Daughters, Deborah (Dean) Schmidt of Homosassa Springs, FL and Dottye (Jim) Brockmeyer of Raymond

Siblings, James (Mary Ann) Hitchings of Raymond and John (Mary Sue) Hitchings of Bloomington, Virginia Holliday of Jacksonville and Norma Van Valkenburg of Springfield

Grandchildren, Dana (Christopher) Wise, Krystal (Ben) Pollard, Bret (Allison) Hitchings, Sarah (Andrea) Hitchings, Susan (Dave) Gradman, Megan (John) Covi, Whitney (Eddie) Mendoza, Travis (Felicia) Stephenson, Troy (Cinthya) Stephenson, Samantha Brown, Clinton Brockmeyer, Hannah (Dominic) Chiodi, Tyler Hitchings, Jarod (Tiffany) Hitchings, Bryant (Samantha) Hitchings, and Nathan (Megan) Hitchings

Thirty-two great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruby Hitchings; his wives, Mardelle Hitchings and Patricia Hitchings; his daughter, Donna Pollard; his siblings, Lester Hitchings, Luella Wolfe, Dorothy Fraley, Margaret Hitchings, and Mary Kathryn Jaeger; his grandson, Jordan Storm; and a great-granddaughter, Summer Stephenson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 12 noon, at A Community of Faith Church in Raymond. Rev. Lorna Blackford will officiate, assisted by Rev. Allison Hitchings. Burial will follow in Harvel Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Raymond-Harvel Ambulance Helipad Project.