David Hite

DAVID HITE

Vinton

David Charles Hite, 77, of Vinton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton, from complications of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Dave had been a resident at VGNR since May 2007. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with the Rev. Dr. Judith Bunyi officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton with military rites performed by Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Des Moines. Friends are invited for visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department or Wesley United Methodist Church.

Survivors include Dave's wife of 53 years, Marcia of Vinton; his daughter, Cathy (Jack) Miller of Los Angeles; and his son, Charlie (Susan) Hite of Las Vegas; grandchildren include Abby (Kuchta), Erica and Brooke Miller, Dylan and Brandon Hite and Danielle (Lyman); and one great-granddaughter.

David Charles Hite was born Nov. 20, 1937, in Vinton, the son of Charles Hite and Wilma Sullivan Hite. Dave graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served his country until 1964. On Jan. 28, 1961, Dave and Marcia Moody married in Vinton.

Dave became a Vinton businessman in 1960 when he purchased the Tip Top Tavern. He remained the owner-operator of the Tip Top until January 1973 when he purchased the Harry Rector share of the Wilson-Rector Insurance Agency, with the name changing then to the Wilson-Hite Insurance Agency. In 1979, Don Weideman became a member of the firm. John Yundt later purchased Dave's interest when Dave retired from Wilson-Hite in 1998.

Dave served on the Vinton Fire Department for 30 years, in positions of captain and finally fire chief, from 1980 to 1990. In 1990, the year he retired as chief, Dave was honored by receiving the Governor's Award for Meritorious Service as a firefighter.

Dave was also involved in numerous other community organizations. He served as president of the Vinton Chamber of Commerce, was president of the Vinton Country Club and served many years on the Benton County Fair board. He was also a member of the Vinton Noon Kiwanis Club, holding the offices of treasurer and Pancake Day chairman. Dave also treasured being a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and singing in the choir with his many friends.

Dave and Marcia loved to entertain and had many get-togethers at their home in town and later at their home "on the river." Dave was the perfect host and their home was open to all friends at any time. Dave also loved playing Santa Claus and would sit in a rocker on the corner in front of his home, greeting everyone who drove past and handing out candy canes to anyone who stopped.

Dave gave of himself freely and led by quiet example. His family could not be more proud of his accomplishments and are grateful for the many lessons he taught. Rest in peace, PaPa Dave.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Dave and his family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.