John Henry Hilliard's Obituary
John Henry Hilliard, 84, of Decatur, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
John was born on June 12, 1932 in Shelbyville, IL the son of John Emerson and Margaret I. (McNew) Hilliard. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Ss. James & Patrick Parish, Castle William American Legion Post #105. and Darrell W. Beck Knights of Columbus Council #577. He married the love of his life Rosalie Ewald on April 30, 1955 in Decatur. He was dedicated husband and father to his family.
He became a brick layer retiring from the state of Illinois after 18 years and worked for many local contractors. But John was no ordinary man. He loved watching his grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events, rarely missing events they were in. John and rose continued to support St. Teresa sporting events long after their children were grown as honorary grandparents.
He was also a volunteer with Habitat For Humanity, building the foundation that would one day give a family a home to call their own.
He loved all his guy buddies, Charlie, Bill, Dale and Travis meeting them almost every morning for breakfast at Debbie’s Diner. The stories those tables could tell.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Rosalie; sons, John W. Hilliard (Jo) of Mt. Pulaski; David D. Hilliard (Lori) of Oakley; Kevin A. Hilliard (Tammy) of Decatur; Brian L. Hilliard (Debi) of Murphysboro, TN; daughters, Anne C. Blackburn (Jeff) of Decatur; Karen S. Houston (Quincy) of Decatur; brothers, David Hilliard (Jeannie) of Sarasota, FL; Donald Hilliard (Pat) of Sarasota, FL; sisters, Addie McQuire of Delavan; 11 grandchildren: Christi Lotz (Justin), Heidi Hilliard, Nick Blackburn (Taylor Hull), Gabe Hilliard, Luke Hilliard, Miranda Hilliard, John Hilliard, Donell Hilliard, E.J. Hart(Gianny), Lester Hart (Linda), and Kendall Hart,and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Kenneth Hilliard, James Hilliard, Bill Hilliard sisters, Mary Durbin and Helen Coates.
John will be missed by all who knew him. There wasn’t a life he didn’t touch or a stranger he didn’t know. His dedication to his family and friends is a great loss for all.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, March 24, 2017 in St. James Catholic Church with Rev. John Burnette as Celebrant. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday in Moran & Goebel Funeral Home with a Vigil Prayer Service at 4:30 PM. Burial will be in Brown Cemetery in Blue Mound Twp. with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to Ss James & Patrick Parish or Habitat for Humanity.
The family of John Henry Hilliard is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL 62526. Share memories and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for John H. Hilliard: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PX8KDT5W24JFHF4J
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