Gerald Lee Hitchens, 65

MILLSBORO - Gerald Lee Hitchens, of Millsboro, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 23, 2009. He was 65. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jerdie Oliphant Hitchens; and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Robinson. He retired with 42 years of service from the Local 2012 Union working as a carpenter. Gerald, a faithful man, served the Lord as a past board member, as a member, and as a Sunday School Teacher at the Gumboro Wesleyan Church. He attended the Shiloh United Methodist Church near Laurel, Delaware and served his community as a 38 year member of the Dagsboro Fire Company most recently as the chaplain. Gerald was a past member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Millsboro Little League Grounds Crew where he also volunteered many hours in the concession stand. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda M. Wootten Hitchens; a daughter, Melody L. Hitchens and friend Ed Jackson; sons, Robert A. Mears and wife Katrina, Craig S. Mears and wife Tammy; and his grandsons of whom he was extremely proud, Lance, Kyle, Trey, and Shawn Mears. He is also survived by brothers, Vernon Hitchens and wife Grace Ann, Paul Hitchens and wife Norma Lee; sisters, Thelma Banks and husband Sherman, Barbara Scott and husband Alton, Janice Robinson, Debbie Cordrey and husband Denny, Bonnie Abbott, and their families. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pastors Mark Erskine and Perry Mears will officiate the service. Interment will be in Carey's Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gerald's memory to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Letters of condolence may be emailed via www.watsonfh.com.