Dennis Jay Hitch

Dennis Jay Hitch, 67, Henderson County, passed away at 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at his home. Dennis was part of a non-denominational fellowship. Somewhere out there today the stars and heaven welcomed Dennis Jay Hitch, a husband, father, and everyone's friend. Dennis was one of the kindest men you would have ever been blessed to meet. After his love and service to God, what mattered the most was the sincere impact he had on every life he touched. Born in 1947, he graced this world with warm, friendly eyes and a smile that, until the week before he died, would brighten up every room and every heart in it. Dennis lived well, loved life, and died a fighter. He loved and lived life with all of his heart and soul. He will be remembered by many not only for his accomplishments and acts of kindness but also for his selflessness, community involvement, sense of humor, humility, words of wisdom, and love of family. Dennis had the time of his life living, learning, and loving. What you saw with Dennis Jay Hitch was what you got: a rare, unforgettable human being, an upstanding ethical man who lived by his own rule, "be good for your word." Dennis worked at Whirlpool for 44 years while volunteering his time for the local fire departments since 1986. He was chief of the Cairo Volunteer Fire Department from 2003 to 2013. He loved participating in Steam Engine Shows and had an affinity for his collie, Cece that he had for 10 years. He was preceded in death by one son, Bentley Shane Derek Hitch, who died in 1987; his parents, Jack Hitch and Marjorie Gantner Hitch; his uncle, Vernon "Uncle Bud" Gantner; and one brother-in-law, Ricky Lee Darling. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Kathi Parsley Hitch and their daughter, Brooke Hitch, of Henderson County. He is also survived by one son, Scott Hitch and his fiancé, Stacy Barkhaus, of Evansville; one daughter, Dana Hitch, of Evansville; his siblings, Barbara Darling and Mike Hitch and his wife, Karen, and their families of Evansville; nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many other devoted family members and friends. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home. Scott Farrington and Esther Duncan will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jarred McGraw, Keith Phillips, Rick Apple, Joe Dreiman, Glenn Walters, and Merril Bower. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Webster, R.G. Callis, Gene Stewart, Larry Koeber, Kent Watson, Pat Donahue, and Cairo Volunteer Fireman and Board of Directors. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Cairo Volunteer Fire Department.

Dennis married Kathi Lynmari Parsley on 30 Aug 1985 in Henderson, KY.