Born in Darlington MD, Don spent his younger years in Maryland, New York, Mississippi, North Carolina, Hawaii, and in Florida as he rose through the ranks to Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. During his tenure as a Radio Operations Supervisor in the Air Force, he qualified on nine types of aircraft, flew 92 combat missions in South East Asia and provided direct support of NASA space exploration research during Project Mercury Testing and the Centaur Rocket program. His lifelong commitment to public service continued after his retirement from the Air Force when he joined the Tampa Police Department Communications team where he spent an additional 20 plus years. He spent his retirement traveling and enjoyed time with his wife of 61 years, Judy and their collection of pets.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Millicent ‘Judy’. Survivors include his three sons, Stuart Ross Hitchcock and his wife, Susan Wimberly Hitchcock, Sterling Alexander Hitchcock and his wife, Susi Plontke Hitchcock, Donald James Hitchcock and his life partner, Paul Yandura; four grandchildren, Jennifer Turner and her husband, Riley Turner, Candace Jones and her husband, Dalton Jones, Calyn Hitchcock, Camdyn Hitchcock; three great-grandchildren, Raelynn Turner, Baxleigh Turner, and Maddox Jones.
A funeral service for Donald will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida. Interment to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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