Robert R. Hitchens

Robert Richard Hitchens, known as Bobby to family and friends, of Laurel, Delaware passed away on Wednesday, January 8, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, DE, after a lengthy illness. Bobby was 77 years old. He was born on August 11, 1936 in Laurel, Delaware to the late Reverend Richard and Alberta Hitchens. He received his early education at Paul Laurence Dunbar School in Laurel. On April 23, 1956, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for several years. He continued his service to our country by working for 31 years in the Commissary at the Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. He retired on January 3, 1997. Bobby has always been reared in the church. He received his Christian education and baptism from St. Matthews First Baptist Church under the direction and leadership of his father, Reverend Richard Hitchens. He was a lifetime member of St. Matthews where he dedicated his life back to Christ under the leadership of Reverend Nathan McCoy. Bobby was joined in Holy Matrimony on December 22, 1961 to Bertha Cooper. He was a loving and caring person who was an excellent provider for his family. He would often impart wisdom to his children. He enjoyed watching football and his favorite team was the San Francisco 49ers. He loved catering for special events and functions. He loved eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and he had his own produce stand at one time. He also loved eating seafood, especially crabs and lobster. His specialty meal included filet mignon which he referred to as “top shelf steak.” Bobby leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 years, Bertha; daughters, Jameszenna (Ralph) Roach of Seaford, DE, Cheryl Lynn Hitchens, Robin Renee Hitchens, and Sharon C. Giles of Laurel; a son, Martin C. Hitchens of Eggharbor Township, New Jersey; grandsons, Mark (Lavette) Williams of Middleford, DE and Clarence (Trina) Giles of Laurel, DE; granddaughters, Jalyssa and Amarani Hitchens; brothers, Donald Lee (Lorraine) Hitchens and Charles Wayne Hitchens of Laurel, brother-in-law, Eugene Puckham and sisters-in-law, Claudette Hitchens and Gwendolyn Twine; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and most recently his son, Gregory Hitchens; his siblings, Louis (Margo) Hitchens, Theodore (Ardella) Hitchens, William Alvin Hitchens, and Sylvia Oney. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert R. Hitchens, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Robert R. Hitchens

August 11, 1936 - January 8, 2014