John Roger Hite

John Roger Hite, age 81, passed away on October 24, 2025, at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by friends and family.

Roger was born on November 13, 1943, to Harold & Lucille Cresswell Hite in Elk City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Borger High School in 1962. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation. He served on the U.S.S. Swordfish, U.S.S. Perch, and U.S.S. Raton submarines during the Vietnam War. He served 6 years active duty and 4 years in the reserve before being honorably discharged. He was then employed at Pantex for 5 years, where he met Barbara Lavake, whom he later married on September 17, 1970. They were married 55 happy years.

He worked for 30 years for the Santa Fe and BNSF railroad companies. He was a member of the Saint Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Amarillo for over 30 years, where he served as an usher and a member of the Genesis Sunday School class. He was always helpful to those in need, and he loved his pets.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Harold Hite, and brother, Bill Hite.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Lavake Hite, daughter Michele Annette Hite McCollum and her husband Bart Toby McCollum, son John Eric Hite of Lubbock, grandsons Jacob Wesley and Nathan John McCollum, sister Susan Sublett of Georgetown, sister-in-law Ramona Hite of Dallas, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers, 2800 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX.