Obituary: Paul E. Hites

Paul E. Hites, age 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 7:48 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in Olney, Ill.

Paul was born April 15, 1926, in Johnston, Ohio, to the late Lewis and Cora Hites.

On Nov. 14, 1949, he married the late Marjorie Jean Kellogg.

Paul was a sergeant during World War II, serving in the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and other campaigns. Paul was awarded the Bronze Star and received a Presidential Citation and 2 Battle Stars for his service in the United States Army.

Paul loved his wife, Margie, dearly and was married to her for 60 years. He always said his wealth was with family.

Paul founded Hites Hardwood Lumber Company in 1958 and worked alongside his boys, Jeff, Blaine and Rocky, carrying on a long family tradition of lumber operators. Paul loved and spoiled his daughter, Della, as a father should.

Paul attended Immanuel United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his children, Jeff (Angie) and Blaine (Jackye) Hites of Olney and Della (Jim) Jenkins of Wildwood, Mo.; daughter-in-law, Beth Hites; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer Hites, Jared (Gwen) Hites, Alayna (Davis) Wright, Grace (Jared) Cummins, Holly (Shannon) Blank, Sommer (Karl) Schippert, Tyler (Ashley) Jenkins, Eric (Lauren) Jenkins, Roxie (Ben) Powell and Zachary (Jamie) Hites; and 14 great-grandkids, Dylan Hites, Halle Hites, Anna Blank, Drew Blank, Gavin Schippert, Karlye Schippert, Luke Jenkins, Ellie Kate Jenkins, Jack Jenkins, Leo Jenkins, Autumn Powell, Cole Powell, Rhett Powell and Ellis Hites.

Paul was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters; his wife, Marjorie; his son, Rock Hites; and great-grandson, Noah Powell.

Memorials can be made to Anchor Ministries, a program founded by Paul’s grandson and Rock’s son, Zach, https://www.anchorok.org/ P.O. Box 1031, Edmond, OK 73083.

Cremation Rites were accorded, and burial will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont, Ill.

Source: Tribune Chronicle