Edward Hitze

Edward P. Hitze, 82, of Lafayette, died at his residence Saturday evening, February 1, 2014. He was born in Lafayette February 15, 1931, the son of the late Edward L. and Genevieve A. Kessen Hitze, and was a 1949 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. Edward served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953, being stationed in Ft. Eustis, VA. and Beorblingen, Germany in the Signal Corps. He married Lorraine T. Senesac at Sacred Heart Church in Fowler, IN. August 28, 1954, and she survives. While in high school, Edward worked as an usher at the Luna Theatre. He later was employed at the Charles L. Snyder Chrysler-Plymouth garage from 1949 until 1959, when he started employment with Eli Lilly & Co., retiring in 1985 as a supervisor in the purification department. Edward was very active in midget auto racing all his life, as a mechanic, pit steward, car owner and restoring vintage race cars. In 1950, he worked part time in the Joey Chitwood Auto Daredevil show. He set up for several years at vintage car shows and racing memorabilia meets, dealing in race parts and race collectables. He was on the selection committee of the National Midget Hall of Fame, and at one time was a member of USAC, CORA, and other midget racing organizations, plus the National Indy "500" Collectors Club, Winchester Old Timers Club and others. Edward was a life member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and for over 20 years was a volunteer at the Catholic Schools Garage Sales. Surviving with his wife are 12 sons, Edward F. (wife Lynn), David (wife Dianna),Larry (wife Midge),Glen (wife Donna), Steve, A.J. (wife Debbie), Eric (wife Fawneil), Brian, Warren (wife Laurie), Neil (wife Kim), Matt (wife Michelle) Hitze, all of Lafayette and Kurt Hitze of Greenwood, IN., one daughter, Gail Wasmer (husband Kevin) of Springfield, IL. and a sister, Frances Clifton (husband David) of Vichy, MO. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Lane. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St. from 5 until 8 PM Tuesday, with the Rosary at 4:45 PM Tuesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 10:30 AM Wednesday, Fr. Daniel Gartland officiating with the interment following at St. Boniface Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 11. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the St. Lawrence School Expansion Fund. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfunerallhome.com.