Donald L. Hites

Donald Laurence Hites, 76, of Augusta, KS, and formerly of Arkansas, Hutchinson, KS, and McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, surrounded by family at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center, Wichita.

Don was born on December 1, 1949, at March Air Force Base near Riverside, CA, the son of Clinton Robert and Bertha Ann (Merrill) Hites. He graduated from McPherson High School and went on to enjoy a varied career throughout his life. His work included driving a waste collection truck, performing maintenance and mechanical work, landscaping and groundskeeping, and working for a traveling carnival company. Through each of these endeavors, Don was known for his hardworking nature and willingness to take on whatever was needed.

Don found great enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting and fishing, faithfully followed the Kansas City Chiefs, and enjoyed watching Wichita State University basketball. A devoted fan of Elvis Presley, he especially cherished Elvis’s music and was fortunate enough to visit Graceland, along with several other members of his immediate family. Don had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. His playful, sometimes ornery personality brought plenty of smiles to those around him.

In his younger years, Don had a daring spirit and enjoyed riding motorcycles. He developed his mechanical abilities under the guidance of his father, Clinton, skills that became an important part of who he was throughout his life. Even after suffering a stroke, Don continued to amaze those around him with his incredible memory, retaining an impressive ability to recall people, places, and moments from his past.

Survivors include his daughter, Lena (Jeff) Davis of Augusta, KS; sister, Lola Burr of Hutchinson, KS; brother, Ron Hites of Windom, KS; two grandchildren, Trent Davis and Trevor Davis; a niece, Terasa (Dan) Freidhof and their family of Salina, KS; and many extended relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Donna Jo Hites.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time on Saturday. Burial will follow the service at Excelsior Cemetery, Marquette.

Memorial donations are suggested to NADS (National Adrenal Diseases Foundation), a non-profit organization supporting research and education for adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease, and can be sent to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.