Vaden Fitton ’50

Vaden died Oct. 29, 2015, in his hometown of Hamilton, Ohio. According to his obituary, he “left a lasting legacy in the community he loved so much.”

Arriving in Princeton from Hamilton High School, he participated in intramural sports, ate at Dial, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Vaden’s father was a member of the Class of 1912.

Vaden was an artillery forward-observer during 11 months of combat in Korea. Before his discharge as a first lieutenant, Vaden served as a general’s aide-de-camp at the Panmunjom peace negotiations.

His career was with First National Bank of Hamilton, the sixth-oldest bank in the country. Vaden’s time there was marked by its significant growth, and he eventually retired in 1980 as its first vice president.

Vaden was a dedicated community leader. He was one of the founders of Hospice of Miami Valley and was inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. He brought the Fitton Center for the Creative Arts into being and recently organized a drive that added the Fitton Family Theater to the center.

Vaden and Grace, his wife of 55 years, traveled extensively after his retirement. At our 25th reunion, he wrote, “There’s nothing so important as family, friends, health, laughter, and straight talk.”

Vaden was predeceased by Grace. Their children, Anne, Katherine, and Vaden; a brother; and eight grandchildren survive him.