Paul Hitt

Paul Leroy Hitt, age 81 of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Chateau Gardens in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born September 27, 1934 in Morley, MO, son of Grover Benjamin Leander and Esther Ellen Snider Hitt.

In 1939, the family moved to Commerce, MO. He attended Commerce Grade School and graduated from Benton High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1958, stationed at Camp Chaffee, AR, Fort Belvior, VA, Fort Hood, TX, Camp Polk, LA and Verdun, France; rank at discharge was SP 2 E5, Personnel.

On March 8, 1959, Paul married Mary Jean Koch at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Commerce, MO. He farmed near Commerce until 1969, when at Sikeston, Missouri he began a 27 year career with the Missouri Division of Employment Security, serving as a Job Placement Interviewer, Supervisor, and Program Coordinator for Southeast Missouri Work Incentive Program. In 1980, he was appointed Manager of Dexter Missouri Local Office, and in 1982, became Manager of Cape Girardeau Local Office. IN 1988, Paul was appointed Manager of the Springfield Missouri Local office. He retired from Springfield in October 1996.

Paul was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, past president of Sikeston Lions Club and past president of Methodist Men of Sikeston United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Private Industry Council, Chamber of Commerce and United Way in Dexter, Cape Girardeau and Springfield, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; a sister, Marie Allene (Charles) Stalon of Cape Girardeau; two sister-in-law’s, Peggy Hitt of Cape Girardeau and Golda Johnson of Commerce; several nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Earnest, Eugene, Herschel (Mary), Leon (Thelma), Cecil (Leona), Herman and Roby (Vernetta “Babe”) Hitt and sisters, Leatha (Ebert) Rister and Myrtle (Ed) Reed.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8pm on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Amick-Burnett chapel in Scott City.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Friday at the chapel with Rev. Dave Conley officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery near Morley, MO with full military honors.

Memorial may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701,  The Chateau Foundation, 3120 Independence St. Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 or the charity of your choice.