W. DeFord ‘De’ Hite
W. DeFord ‘De’ Hite, 90, Lake Wawasee, died Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Born March 5, 1920, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Willis DeFord and Edith S. (Stecher) Hite. On November 11, 1943, he married Dorothy Elizabeth (Bay) Hite, who survives. He graduated from Butler University, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and received a MBA degree from Ball State University. Hite served his country as a Lieutenant J.G. in the U.S. Coast Guard during W.W. II, in both the European and South Pacific Theaters. He served aboard the U.S.S. General Hugh L. Scott. Hite retired from GTE of Indiana, as V.P. of Marketing, after serving 37 years. He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church. He was a Free Mason and a member of Scottish Rite and the Shrine. His hobbies included sailing and water and snow skiing. Survivors also include one daughter: Celestine H. Cutter (husband Bill), Batesville, IN; one son and daughter-in-law: Col. James and Susan Hite, Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel C. Hite. Visitation is Saturday, August 21, from 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., followed by a private memorial service officiated by Rev. Kevin Rhoads at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Memorials may be made to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF), P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567 .