Richard E. Hites Jr.

Richard E. Hites Jr., 71, of Peru passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at North Woods Village in Kokomo.

Born on September 18, 1943, in Indianapolis, he was the son of the late Richard E. and Mary Carolyn (Dean) Hites Sr.  On February 17, 1979 he married Norma Kay Denny.  She preceded him in death on October 18, 2007.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran.

Richard was mechanic and he specialized in paint and body.  Richard also enjoyed building bicycles for the neighborhood children and playing Santa at Christmas.

He enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, and played Santa throughout the community since 1983.

Survivors include sons; Donald Hites of Peru, Nick Hites (Holly) of Peru, and Robert D. Davis of Martinsville, daughters; Tammy Hites of Peru, Carolyn Hites-Rinker of Daleville, Manny Hites of Bunker Hill, and Carrie Hites of Indianapolis, brothers; Daniel Hites (Sandy) of Danville, James Hites, of Rochester, and Doug Hites (Monique) of Whitestown. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Richard was also preceded in death by infant daughter, Samantha Ann Hites, sister, Deana Hause and granddaughter, Aubrey Phyllis Hites.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the Twelve Mile United Methodist Church with Pastor Darlene DeHaai officiating.

Inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Twelve Mile United Methodist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Hites family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.