Leo James Hitchingham

Leo James Hitchingham, age 88, of Gaylord, Michigan, and previously of Midland Michigan, passed away in his home on Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

Leo was born on February 25th, 1937, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Donald and Elizabeth Hitchingham. He was a foreman/supervisor for Dow Chemical from which he retired after many decades.

He and his wife were avid campers and spent many summers hauling the trailer up to Otsego State Park where they enjoyed spending time with family. Leo loved to snowmobile, hunt and fish with the guys. What he called hunting was actually more about eating chili, playing cards (betting with quarters from his sock money), and sharing many funny stories. John Lamp and Uncle Skeeter came up in many of these stories!

After he retired, they purchased a home in Gaylord on the lake where they spent the remainder of their lives together. During the many of the winters they were snowbirds and traveled to Mission, Texas in their home away from home (5th wheel). He Cherished time with all his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pancake breakfast was his specialty. He enjoyed fishing off the deck and pontoon rides to the 20-foot hole for swimming fun.

Many memorable nights were spent popping popcorn and having movie marathon sleepovers. He was famous for having all the best movies planned out for his family when they came up on weekends.

Our dad had quite a few sayings we will all remember him by, such as "stay outta trouble", "call me if you need bail money", " and most importantly of all; "WATCH YOUR STEP DOWN THERE". (Which has taken on a whole new meaning for all of us now.)

Preceding him in death were both his parents, His wife Bettie Hitchingham in 2014, and his Brother Jack Hitchingham. He is survived by his son Mark (Cheryl) Hitchingham of Ludington, Michigan, and 4 daughters; Lynette Edwards (Crystal Falls), Sharlene Hitchingham, Jamie Reinke (Midland), and Lisa (Mark) Pankonin (Saginaw). He also left behind 7 grandchildren: Kelly, Stephanie, William, Amanda, Jeremy, Jake, and Alek, and 6 great Grandchildren, Ty, Kirsten, Gage, Ryleigh, Payton and Colt.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor August 31st in Ludington at the home of Mark and Cheryl Hitchingham.

Please share your memories and stories of Leo at the "Share a Memory" section. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services of Gaylord, Michigan. www.CarebyNelsons.com