E. Leon Hitchcock, 87, of Hope died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis.

Before retirement, Leon worked as a heavy equipment operator at Force Construction for 18 years. He was owner and operator of Hitchcock Trucking for 32 years.

He was a member of Clifford Eastern Star #587 for 63 years, Hope Masonic Lodge 150 for 64 years, Scottish Rite for 49 years, Bartholomew County Shrine Club, and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine Club for 39 years. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Hope.

Leon was a very accomplished woodworker and enjoyed doing puzzles and wood search. He also loved to mow the yard.

The funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home in Hope with Pastor Dennis Aud officiating. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday. All Masons are invited to attend.

Memorials may be given to Hawcreek Flatrock Area Endowment Fund or the Hope Masonic Lodge 150 through the funeral home, 604 Main Street Hope, IN 47246.

Born on August 22, 1929, Leon was the son of Earl Franklin Hitchcock and Ruth Hege Carter. He married Norma Jean Stone on September 9, 2002 and she survives.

Other survivors include children, Carl (DeeAnn) Hitchcock of Hartsville and Sue Repp of Hope; stepchildren, Michael (Dana) Stone of Carthage, IN and Melanie Stone of Loveland, Colorado; grandchildren, Joey (Mollie) Hitchcock, Cody and Logan Hitchcock, Dore` (Cory) Julian, Cody Stone, Jaxon Ryder Stone, Haleigh, Daniel, and Kendra Sanders, Shelby (Ryan) Shigley, and Grant Perrin; great-grandchildren, Kevin and Annabella Julian, Gabe Hitchcock, and Alena Shigley.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Kevin and Clyde Lynn Hitchcock; and his half-sister, Kay Whetstine.