Glen Jean Hitson

Glen J. Hitson, 83, of Gillette, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Glen was born on April 12, 1931 in Arvada, WY to Helen (Griffin) and Alfred "Hurd" Hitson. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1949.Glen was married to June Winger on June 10, 1955 and together they raised two sons, Kevin and Kelly. The family moved from Gillette to Spearfish, SD in 1960. Glen and June purchased the B & B Bar and later added The Back Porch, which was built with reclaimed barn timbers and was well known for steaks, chicken and farm-style kettle suppers. They sold the business in 1974. While living in Spearfish, Glen was the co-founder of the Spearfish Little League. He was also on the original planning board for the Spearfish Hospital and he volunteered with the Spearfish Fire Department. Glen was adventurous and would trap rattlesnakes from Campbell County ranches for Reptile Gardens in the Black Hills, where he also worked in the rattlesnake pit giving demonstrations for the guests.Glen moved back to Gillette in 1976, where he married Betty Barlow on November 11, 1977. Together their family grew with Glen's two sons and Betty's three daughters, Janice, Barbara, and Mary. Glen was proud of all five children. After moving to Gillette, Glen worked for Farmer's Co-op in the propane department and later became the manager of the Coast to Coast Store. Glen was a jack-of-all-trades and always had time to help friends or strangers in a time of need. After retirement he turned the trade of knife sharpening, which he had learned from his father, into a home-based business. He also enjoyed a good game of cards.Glen is survived by his wife, Betty Hitson of Gillette; children, Kevin Hitson of Charlotte, NC, Kelly (Betty) Hitson of Spearfish, SD, Janice (Richard) Olson of Parker, CO, Barbara Barlow (Gail West) and Mary (Steve) Layman of Gillette; grandchildren, Heather Hitson, Kristi Sutton, Kelly Glen Hitson, Rachel Urban, Ali Honomichl, Amy Olson, David Olson, Jenny McIntosh, Jamie Denson, Cole Layman and Aaron Layman; eleven great-grandchildren; one nephew, Fred (Jo) Geren of Hesperia, CA and his first wife, June Hitson of Spearfish, SD.He was preceded in death by his parents, Hurd and Helen Hitson; brother, Dale Hitson and sister, Margaret Geren. No services are planned at this time. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website: www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716