Howell H. Hitchens, 82

HARRINGTON - Howell H. Hitchens, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, in the Country Rest Home, Greenwood, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82. Mr. Hitchens was born in Clayton, the son of the late Linwood "Dicie" and Frances (Sevil) Hitchens. He was a graduate of William Bassett Moore High School, Clayton. In 1944, Mr. Hitchens entered the Merchant Marines. After his tour, he went to work for D.P. & L., inspecting power lines by horseback. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann McKnatt. Mr. Hitchens worked for Diamond State Telephone for many years, retiring from Bell Atlantic in June of 1984. While with the phone company, he earned the 100,000 mile club award. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club, where he was active in building ramps for the handicapped. He was also a member of the Harrington Historical Society, the Harrington Moose Lodge 2401, the Asbury United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of the Harrington Fire Company. He enjoyed going to the phone company breakfasts every month. He also enjoyed the coffee club at his house every morning with friends and family, as well as going to the local Arby's in the afternoon for another coffee club. Mr. Hitchens' family was the most important part of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his son, granddaughter and his great-granddaughter. He also enjoyed visiting and playing with Kim and Rhonda's black lab, Stella, twice a day. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (McKnatt) Hitchens in 1986; and a brother, Francis "Buddy" Hitchens. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kim and Rhonda Hitchens, of Harrington; a granddaughter, Jordan McCloskey and her husband Randy; and a great-granddaughter, Rylin McCloskey, all of Frederica; and a sister, Floan Buongiorne, of Delta Junction, Alaska. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at the McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, 50 Commerce St., Harrington. Burial was in Hollywood Cemetery, Milford - Harrington Highway, Harrington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.