Ray Hites

Ray Hites, 90, of Hastings, IA, passed away at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the Hastings United Methodist Church with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the Hastings Cemetery. Memorials to the Hastings United Methodist Church. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.

Ray Hites, the youngest of four children of Dent and Elizabeth (Spangler) Hites, was born on February 4, 1923 in Hastings, Iowa. He grew up in Hastings and graduated from the Hastings High School in 1940. Following high school he worked with his father in the family well-drilling operation. In January of 1943, Ray enlisted in the United States Army, serving in World War II. During this time he received the Purple Heart and bronze star. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Ray returned to Hastings where he went back to work as a drill operator and a plumber in the family business with his brother Ralph.

Ray loved the game of baseball and especially enjoyed watching the Omaha Storm Chasers. He loved to attend musicals and symphonies held at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Some of his favorite games were playing cards and dominos.

Ray was a member of the Hastings United Methodist Church and a 60-year member of the American Legion.

Ray passed away on October 10, 2013 at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, Iowa, at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 6 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elmo Hites, Ralph Hites and wife Crystal; and sister Gladys Tudor and husband Ernest.

Ray is survived by his nieces, Pat Bullard of Omaha, NE, and Evelyn Kemp of Craigmore, South Australia; nephews, Bob Tudor of San Antonio, TX, Bill Hites, and Jerry Hites; and his friends and neighbors in Hastings.