Oliver Lee Hitchens, former Selbyville mayor
Oliver Lee Hitchens, 91, of Selbyville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Atlantic Shores Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Millsboro.
Oliver was born in Selbyville June 23, 1932, son of the late Ollie L. Hitchens and the late Laura E. (Hudson) Hitchens. He proudly served his country by serving in the Delaware National Guard from 1952-55.
Oliver was a hardworking man serving as a USDA Inspector at H & H Poultry in Selbyville, and eventually becoming part-owner of Hitchens Brothers Trucking Company. He continued working into his late ‘80s as a truck driver for Bunting & Murray.
Oliver served his community, serving as the mayor of Selbyville, and a lifetime member of Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as the past president of the company. Oliver was a mason at Delaware Lodge 37 in Dagsboro and was also part of the Elks and Lions Club over the years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2020, Grace Hitchens; and five siblings, Casher W. Hitchens, Dorothy Ann Warren, Darrell (Boogie) Wayne Hitchens, Donald Melvin Hitchens and Ollie Lowe Hitchens Jr. Oliver is survived by two children, Karen Gierut and her husband Gary of Selbyville, and H. Lyndon Hitchens and his wife Nancy of Frankford; five siblings, Wilmer Leroy Hitchens of Milford, Bill Hitchens of Dagsboro, Marie Williamson of Mardela Springs, Md., James Hitchens of Millsboro and Richard Hitchens of Selbyville; three grandchildren, Douglas Mumford and his wife Lindsay of Selbyville, Cody Hitchens of Stem, N.C., and Casey Hitchens of Frankford; two great-grandchildren, Bryar Mumford and Owen Mumford; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at noon, Saturday, Nov. 4, at Bishopville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Oliver’s name to Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 88, Selbyville, DE 19975.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
