The close knit community of law enforcement lost an icon this past week when Lt. Larry Hite passed away suddenly and tragically from a pulmonary embolism on Tuesday, March 17. On Thursday, March 26, the Hite was honored with a funeral in Leonardtown and a memorial on the base. TheBAYNET.com was there to record the ceremony and to pay respects.
TBN first learned of Hite’s untimely demise from two of his best friends and colleagues, Detective Michael Theesen, better known in his role as the Grill Sergeant and Lt. Steve Schuyler.
Both men served with Hite on Patuxent River Naval Air Station’s small civilian police force. “Larry was an amazing man,” said Theesen. “We worked with him for years and he was like your best friend. He was just that kind of guy.”
“The most amazing thing is that it didn’t matter if you under him or with him, he was always pleasant and professional,” said Schuyler. “What is even more amazing is the incredible relationship he had with his wife Jeannie. They were like best friends, almost inseparable.”
Born December 31, 1958, in Trenton NJ, Hite passed after just turning 50. His death was so sudden and unexpected, that everyone who knew him is in shock. Both Theesen and Schuyler lament that they had been with him the day before and there were no signs of anything wrong at all. “He was here one minute and just gone the next,” said Theesen.
Hite served in the U.S. Navy from Jan. 27, 1978 until March 27, 1985 where he retired as a Bosons mate and a Correction Specialist Petty Officer Second Class. Hite served a distinguished career where he received recognition for his efforts in the form of a Sea Service Deployment, a Navy Expeditionary and Humanitarian Service Medals.
Hite began his career with the Patuxent River Police Department in March of 1987 where he rapidly moved through the ranks, reaching the rank of Lieutenant only three years after attaining the rank of Sergeant. Hite served as an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course trainer and was once even a deputized U.S. Marshall, transporting prisoners from PAX River to Greenbelt.
Hite and his wife, Jeannie spent most of their free time around a camp fire in their back yard. He was an avid Eagles fan and could always tell you how many days until he went on vacation at the Indian Creek camp grounds in Cherokee, NC. “If you ever saw Larry he would be wearing a ‘Life is Good’ hat, and that was how he lived his life,” said Schuyler. “Such as his love for his wife, of nature and camping in the Smokey Mountains twice a year, Larry dreamed of retiring and moving to the Smokey’s,” continued Schuyler.
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