News : Vinton firefighters honor Dave Hite at Iowa Memorial

Several members of the Vinton Fire Department joined Marcia Hite at the 21st Annual Memorial Service at the Iowa Firefighters Memorial in Coralville. They were there to honor their former chief and Marcia's late husband, Dave.

Dave passed away Dec. 21, 2014; his memorial is No. 904 among those who served more than 10 years on an Iowa fire department. He was a 30-year veteran of the VFD and served as chief for 10 years.

Along with Marcia and some members of the Hite family, seven Vinton firemen layed wreaths at the Memorial Wall in memory of Dave.

His tribute on the Iowa Firefighter's Memorial web site includes the following about him:

David Charles Hite was born on November 20, 1937, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Charles Hite and Wilma Sullivan Hite. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served his country until 1964. On January 28, 1961, Dave and Marcia Moody married in Vinton. Dave became a Vinton businessman in 1960 when he purchased the Tip Top Tavern. He remained the owner-operator of the Tip Top until January of 1973, when he purchased the Harry Rector share of the Wilson-Rector Insurance Agency, with the name changing then to the Wilson-Hite Insurance Agency. In 1979, Don Weideman became a member of the firm. John Yundt later purchased Dave's interest when Dave retired from Wilson-Hite in 1998. He served on the Vinton Fire Department for 30 years, in positions of Captain, and finally Fire Chief, from 1980 to 1990. In 1990, the year he retired as Chief, Dave was honored by receiving the Governor's Award for Meritorious Service as a firefighter. Dave was also involved in numerous other community organizations. He served as President of the Vinton Chamber of Commerce, was President of the Vinton Country Club, and served many years on the Benton County Fair Board. He was also a member of the Vinton Noon Kiwanis Club, holding the offices of Treasurer and Pancake Day Chairman. Dave also treasured being a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and singing in the choir with his many friends. He and Marcia loved to entertain and had many get-togethers at their home in town and, later, at their home "on the river." Dave was the perfect host, and their home was open to all friends at any time. Dave also loved playing Santa Claus and would sit in a rocker on the corner in front of his home, greeting everyone who drove past and handing out candy canes to anyone who stopped. Dave gave of himself freely and led by quiet example. His family could not be more proud of his accomplishments and are grateful for the many lessons he taught. Rest in peace, PaPa Dave.