Robert Lee Hitchcock, age 87 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. On September 11, 1935, Bob was born the son of Violet Hitchcock and Floyd Randle in Clare. Bob was a proud lifelong resident of Clare and a member of the Clare High School class of 1953. Shortly after his graduation, Bob was introduced to Lynda Haring while attending a drive-in movie at the theater where Lynda worked. Despite being so shy that Bob had to have a friend ask Lynda if he could give her a ride home after work, his bashful charm won Lynda over. On January 2, 1954 the couple wed, and together they shared sixty-nine wonderful years of marriage. For fifty years, Bob proudly served as a pipefitter for the UA Local 85. Additionally, he raised beef cattle on his farm for thirty-seven years. However, his favorite job throughout his life was his most recent one–driving the Jay’s Sporting Goods product truck back and forth on its Clare to Gaylord route, always with Lynda in tow. When Bob wasn’t working, he could be found either deer hunting, camping with family, or catching up on an episode of The Young and the Restless. But those that knew Bob best, knew that his most cherished time was centered around family, whether it was attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting event, or making the rounds to each of his kid’s homes for Sunday coffee.
Bob is survived by his wife Lynda of Clare, his son Robert (Kristi) Hitchcock of Clare, and his eleven grandchildren Stephanie (Doug) Allen, Derrick Poet, Matthew (Ashton) Poet, Lynda (Josh) Garver, Teisha Hitchcock, Amber (Ryan) Murphy, Robbie (Nicole) Hitchcock, Victoria (Devin Boylen) Hitchcock, Christian Hitchcock, Elizabeth (Dan) Allen, and Nicole Wilson. Other survivors include his seventeen great-grandchildren (plus one on the way) and his sons-in-law Jeff (Lisa) Poet and Brian Wilson. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Violet Randle-Hitchcock and his daughters Pamela Wilson and Kathy Poet.
A funeral in honor of Bob will take place at the Brown Corners United Brethren Church of Clare on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with pastor Jeremiah Ketchum officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Vernon Township Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. Friends may visit with the Hitchcock family on Monday the 24th at the church from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and again from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Bob may be directed toward either the Brown Corners Church or to the MyMichigan Homecare/Hospice. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com