Arthur LeRoy Hitchcock, age 81, of Ulysses, Kansas died Saturday, January 17, 2015 at South Wind Hospice in Pratt, Kansas. He was born July 26, 1933 in Smith County, Kansas, the son of Leslie R. and Mildred May (Welker) Hitchcock.

LeRoy grew up in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. While living with his family at Ryus, Kansas, he attended Satanta High School. LeRoy served in the United States Navy from 1950 -1954. After his discharge, he returned to southwest Kansas. He was employed as a Well Tender for Cities Service Gas Company/Williams Natural Gas Company. He retired after 41 years of service. LeRoy married Irene M. Scoggins on May 24, 1956 in Ulysses. LeRoy enjoyed woodworking, hunting arrowheads, collecting barbwire and antiques, hunting and fishing, metal detecting, motocross racing, bird watching, quilting, but most of all spending time with his grandkids. LeRoy was a member of the NRA, Country View Baptist Church, and attended Sons of Thunder.

He is survived by his sons, Leslie Hitchcock and wife Susan of Sheridan, Wyoming, Artie L. Hitchcock and wife Gwendolyn of Hays, Kansas; daughter, Donna McEachern and husband Troy of Pratt, Kansas; sisters, Lola Belle Caldwell and husband Duane of Cañon City, Colorado, Dolly May Hodges and husband Bob of Clearmont, Wyoming; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Irene in 2004; infant brother, Jimmy Lee Hitchcock; and sister, Betty Marie Jaynes.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Sam Bynum and Pastor Mike McGovney officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with military rites conducted by the Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Country View Baptist Church or Cunningham Christian Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.