Robert "Bob" Hitchens

Robert “Bob” Hitchens was born January 30, 1952 to Harley and Catherine Hitchens of Urban Crest, Ohio where he grew up. He graduated from Grove City High School Class of 1970, excelling in track, basketball and football. Earning a full ride scholarship for football to Miami University of Ohio. There playing as a running back, Robert set and broke many records and was inducted into the hall of fame in 1980. His jersey #40 was one of only four jerseys to ever be retired in Miami history.

Following graduation in 1974 he went on to play 2 years professionally in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kanas City Chiefs and New England Patriots before retiring from a hamstring injury. While still in Pittsburgh he met and married Becky Franklin and from that union 1 daughter Erika Sandlin and raising 1 son Aaron Franklin as his own. They have 5 beautiful grandchildren and were married 40 years.

Robert truly had a passion for football, which led to his assistant coaching career spanning 10 years, 3 years for Carnegie Mellon University and 7 years for Miami. He then moved closer to family in Columbus, Ohio where he spent 25 years as a dispatcher for Ohio Concrete Sawing and Drilling where he retired in 2018.

Bob had a larger than life personality and impacted so many people around him over the years. He was very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Always showing love and support attending every game of every sport possible. He loved life… he loved people… and everybody loved him.

Robert Hitchens passed away at the age of 68 on July 7, 2020 peacefully in his sleep due to an aortic aneurysm of the heart. He is preceded in death by his parents Harley and Catherine Hitchens; brothers Donald, Melvin and Elmer Hitchens; Sister Dosena Cathcart.

He is survived by Becky Hitchens and Children Erika (Stanley) Sandlin, Aaron (Chrissy) Franklin; Sisters Shirley & Son Mike Brewer, Delores Winn and Willa McGee; Brother Doug (Ramona) Hitchens; Five Grandchildren Skyler Franklin, Livie, Nathan, Sheridan and Hannah Sandlin and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held 7:00 P.M. Friday July 17, 2020 at The Rock Church 7370 Tussing Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. The family will accept friends starting at 6:00 P.M.