Howard Hitt

Howard Hitt, age 84, of Gatesville passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 9, 2016. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at King Baptist Church with burial following at King Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Howard was born on August 8, 1932 in the King Community to the late Lonnie and Julia Stamper Hitt. He was raised by his father and step-mother, Grace Barrington, after his mother passed away. Howard attended school in Pearl and graduated from Gatesville High School in 1950. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served for four years. Howard married Pauline Bird in 1956. He joined the National Guard working at Mates for over 30 years. During his time in the National Guard, he was activated several times including Korea and Germany. After he retired from Mates, he bought his home place where he was born on. Between him and Truett Hopson, they worked on all kinds of farming equipment together. Howard was a member of Maples Masonic Lodge #791 A.F. & A.M. in Flat and served as Worshipful Master in 1972-1973. He was also a 60 year member of Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197 A.F. & A.M. and served as Worshipful Master in 1978-1979, as well as a former member of The Waco Scottish Rite Bodies. Howard will also be remembered as a loving and caring dad, grandad, and great-grandad. Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Pauline Hitt; son, Tim Hitt; brother, Charles Hitt and a sister, Faye Collins. Howard is survived by his sons, Mike Hitt and wife, Mary, Lonnie Hitt and wife, Heather, Randy Hitt and wife, Cindy; sister, Mae Mounce; brother, Cecil Moon; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.