Franklin Ray Hitchell

Frank was born on March 7, 1952 in Peoria, IL to Francis and Catherine (Snyder) Hitchell, who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Day) Hitchell, his three children, daughters Amanda Hitchell of Peoria, Alana (Jeremy Gonigam) Hitchell of Normal, and son Adam (Kristin) Hitchell of Chicago, as well as his beloved dog, Toby. He was also a brother to Kay Russellburg of Wyanet, IL, Suellen Solomon of Low Point, IL, Doreen Paulsen of The Villages, FL, Debra (Mike) Booth of The Villages, FL, and Rose (Gene) Billick of Edgerton, KS; loving grandfather to four grandchildren, Lucas, Reed, Emmett, and Penelope.

Frank graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1970 and attended North Central College in Naperville before going on to study biology at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. After returning to Peoria, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol, on May 27, 1977, and started his career as a builder. For decades he constructed homes as well as commercial buildings, and continued to hone his craftsmanship in post-retirement for any of his friends and family who asked for his help. He would do anything for his friends and loved being able to assist them with their various home projects.

Frank was a member of the collection acquisition board of the Peoria Riverfront Museum and also served as Vice President of the Peoria Academy of Science. As President of its entomology section, he cared deeply about the importance of science education, and enthusiastically welcomed every opportunity to share his knowledge with younger generations. He frequently led group field trips and hikes, and participated in presentations around area schools and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Over the years he amassed a personal collection of thousands of insect specimens meticulously categorized by taxonomic rank. He raised many broods of caterpillars to adult moths and butterflies to release and help repopulate rarer species native to Illinois.

Frank’s ardor for the natural world led him on countless nature walks and to dozens of favorite fishing holes. He befriended every animal that crossed his path and was known to raise baby turtles from eggs and care for fawns and orphaned rabbits. His love of the outdoors was paired with a thirst for adventure, whether it be hiking rocky desert terrain in the American southwest, or canoeing the lakes of Minnesota’s vast Boundary Waters. In his lifetime he conquered Pikes Peak, swam with sharks, and explored lush jungles of Nicaragua and Belize.

However, nothing out-of-doors brought him more joy than the serenity of his own backyard gardens, where enjoyed watching new life springing up from the seeds he had sown. Here he could be glimpsed most afternoons, humming to himself the catalogues of Harry Chapin, The Righteous Brothers, or full-throated renditions of songs from Les Miserables. Always up for cards, Frank took great pleasure in beating his kids at rummy games that went long into the night. He enjoyed basketball and even in the final years of his life could still dribble circles around his grandchildren and sink three-pointers with ease.

We will miss his enthusiastic storytelling and quick wit, but will find comfort in knowing we can all reap the benefits of the knowledge and love he cultivated in our hearts.

Cremation will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Peoria Academy of Science.

Condolences and memories may be shared through Davison-Fulton.com