With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Carl Edward Hitchens on October 21, 2026. Carl was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. Though his earthly life has ended, his memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of the people he loved most.
Carl was born on April 2, 1959, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Carl Hitchens Sr. and Blanche Hitchens Yates. He graduated from Chillicothe High School and Ohio University of Chillicothe, where he stood out as an exceptional basketball player. Basketball was one of Carl’s many special talents.
After graduating from Ohio University of Chillicothe, Carl began a 20-year career as a factory worker at Chilpaco. He was a dedicated worker and a loyal, faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Carl was always happy to share the Word of God and speak about his love for God and gratitude for His grace. Throughout his life, he was a member of First Baptist Church and Lifting Up Jesus Church.
Along with basketball, Carl was an exceptional bowler. He bowled for more than 40 years, and bowling was much more than a hobby for him. Anyone who had the chance to watch him bowl knew how extraordinary his talent was. Carl also enjoyed playing chess and spades. He loved horses and spent a great deal of time training them.
During football season, you could find Carl cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals. He will live on as a devoted fan of both teams. Carl had a one-of-a-kind heart and was a gentle soul who went to great lengths to help those around him. He always treated people with kindness, and his greatest gift was his generous spirit.
Carl leaves behind many cherished relatives and lifelong friends. He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Blanche Hitchens Yates of Groveport; his beloved sister and caregiver, Dottie Hitchens, of Groveport; his sister, Debbie (Steve) Hammond, of Dublin; his special niece, Meagan Ward, of Columbus; his nephews, Nathaniel Barnett, of Italy; Travis (Kara) Barnett, of Alabama; and Quinton Conaway, of Frankfort; his forever brother-in-law, Michael (Carmen) Ward, of Pickerington; his special cousin, Shelley Stone Duncan, of Chillicothe; his beloved aunt, Dot Stone, also of Chillicothe; two special uncles, Kevin Stone, of Groveport, and David (Jean Ann) Stone, of Queensbury, NY; He also leaves behind a host of friends, including his lifelong best friend, Toben Wallingford, of Chillicothe, and his great friend, Shawn Cooke, of Columbus, Ohio.
Carl was preceded in death by his father, Carl Hitchens Sr.; his beautiful, baby sister, Deanna Ward; his uncle, John Stone; and his maternal grandparents, Harold and Alice Stone.
A viewing will be held at First Baptist Church of Chillicothe on November 2 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. The funeral procession will then proceed to Greenlawn Cemetery.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.