MILFORD - David R. Hitchens passed away suddenly on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 72. David was born in Milford on November 10, 1943, son of the late Roland David Hitchens and Anna Lee (Brown) Hitchens. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Hitchens was employed with Verizon for 27 years retiring from the position of General Manager of Engineering Services in 1992. He was currently employed as President and CEO of First State Manufacturing in Milford. David was a member and past president of the Milford Rotary Club, the current chairman of KSI Personnel Committee and Honorary Board Member of KSI (Kent Sussex Industries), and current chairman of the Milford Economic Development Committee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Hitchens. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rachel Hitchens; a son, Brian Hitchens of Milford; a daughter, Bobbi Lynn Kent and her husband Richard of Garnet Valley, Pa.; a brother, Dane Hitchens and his wife Rochell of Harrington; a sister, Nina Taylor and her husband Joe of Harrington; and three grandchildren, Bradley Hitchens, Erica Kent, and Amanda Kent. A memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions to Kent Sussex Industries, Inc., 301 N. Rehoboth Blvd, Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be left on line at www.rogersfhmilford.com