Charley L. Hitchens, Jr.

Charley L. Hitchens, Jr., 87, of DeRidder, entered into eternal rest at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA on March 29, 2019.  He was born June 5, 1931 to Charley L. Hitchens, Sr. and Edna Moore in Slaughter, LA.

Charley was a devoted husband to Lenora for 65 years.  He began his working life serving his country in the US Air Force.  He later taught in the Beauregard Parish School System, which was his passion.  After retiring from teaching, Charley served as a member of the Beauregard Parish School Board.   He was an active member of the NAACP, served on the board of Beauregard Community Action, and was a member of the Beauregard Parish Concerned Citizens Group.

As a devoted member of the Catholic Church he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, gave his service in the choir, was a lector, taught catechism, and served as a Eucharistic minister.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sons: Charley L. Hitchens III (Juanita), Michael Hitchens, Sr. (Dorothy), and Sheldon Hitchens (Sharon), all of DeRidder, LA; two daughters: Carolyn Staten of Fort Worth, TX and Marvis Collor (Kelvin) of DeRidder, LA; cousin-raised as a sister: Jackie H. Taylor of Baton Rouge; brothers Joseph Hitchens of Baton Rouge, LA and Thomas Hitchens of Zachary, LA.;  In-laws:  Earl and Elaine Bourgeois, Marion St. Amant, Lois and Russell Aikens, Sr. and George Brown, all of Baton Rouge, LA; extended family: Frank and Fran Mayes, and Voney and Mary Miller all of DeRidder, LA; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, God children, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lenora A. Hitchens, son, Stephan Hitchens, parents, Charley L. Hitchens, Sr. and Edna Moore, cousin-raised as a brother, Johnny Hariston, sister, Alice Jackson, and brother, Alonzo Hitchens.

Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Blankenship Drive in DeRidder, LA on April 6, 2019.  Service will include visitation from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Rosary will begin at 10:30 am, and the funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am to be officiated by Rev. Jude Brunnert, M.S.  Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.