Leroy “Wilmer” Hitchens of Milford passed away at home on September 28, 2025. Hitchens was 91.
Born August 29, 1934, in Bishopville, Maryland, Hitchens was the son of the late Ollie and Laura Hitchens. He joined the Air Force at the age of 19 and was stationed in Japan for three years after finishing basic training. Upon returning to the United States, he was stationed at Charleston, South Carolina Air Force Base for eight years.
After South Carolina, Hitchens was stationed at Wilmington Airport as an Advisor to the Delaware Air National Guard. His final duty was flying large transport planes from Dover Air Force Base, ending his 20 years of active service there.
According to his family, Hitchens was never one to sit long and he started a second 20-year career with United Parcel Service, leading to lasting friendships. He was known as “Pop-Pop,” and he could tell many entertaining stories. Mostly, his career allowed him to socialize, something he enjoyed.
After his second retirement from UPS, he enjoyed breakfast at Westside and the Milford Diner where he gathered with his fellow UPS friends. His biggest pleasure was spending time with his family, including his wife who he called the love of his life. He enjoyed teasing, spoiling and telling stories to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends and going to Myrtle Beach every year.
Hitchens was preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Hitchens Ehrisman, brothers, Oliver, Casher, Darrell (Boogie), Donald and Ollie Jr. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Warren.
Hitchens is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Griffin Hitchens, his daughter, LuAnn (Billy) Baker; his grandchildren, Erin Cordrey (Tyler); and Riley Baker; great grandchildren Madelyn and Luke Cordrey; brothers, Billy (Grace) Hitchens; James Hitchens; Richard (Pam) Hitchens a sister, Mabel (Marie) Savage and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family would like to thank Brianna, Hannah and Kara of Delaware Hospice for their great care and compassion during this difficult time. Special thanks go to wonderful neighbors, friends and Pastor Andy Stevens.
The family will receive visitors at the Rogers Hovatter Funeral Home from 10 AM until 12 Noon on Saturday, October 4 with a funeral service at Noon. Interment will be in Milford Community Cemetery with Military Honors.
