Donald A. Hilliard

Donald A. Hilliard

(November 4, 1940 – March 23, 2022)

Donald Allan Hilliard , 81, of Findlay, IL, passed away at 3:18 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022 in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, West Hoff Road and Highway 53, Elwood, IL with military rites by the U.S. Army.  Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.  Following the services, the family will meet at Al’s Steak House, 1990 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435.

Don was born on November 4, 1940, in Mondovi, WI, the son of Allan and Charlotte (Weisenbeck) Hilliard and lived most of his formative years on Wisconsin farms, which he very much enjoyed.  After high school, he was encouraged by his mother to move to Illinois in hopes of seeking out better job opportunities.  He followed her advice and went to live with his Uncle Paul in Crest Hill, IL.  Prior to starting a career as a mail carrier, he served in the US Army. He married Lynn Ellen Freehauf on November 27, 1965. During his 27 year career as a mail carrier in Lockport, IL, Don was cherished by the many families he served.  After this time, he was excited to move on to a new chapter in his life and moved to Findlay, IL so he could enjoy one of his favorite pastimes….fishing!  He also very much enjoyed going to auctions and quickly accumulated so much stuff that he started “Don’s Resale Shop”.  Both locals and visitors started to know that if they ever needed anything, they could likely find it at Don’s. He was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church in Sullivan, IL and Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 in Findlay, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn; son, Jim Hilliard (Carol) of Monee, IL; daughter, Kathy Tompkins (Mike) of LaGrange Park, IL; brothers, Jerry Hilliard and Scott Thorson both of Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Jake Hilliard, Calla Hilliard, Cole Hilliard, Sienna Tompkins, and Trace Tompkins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allan Hilliard; mother, Charlotte Hilliard Thorson; and brother, Larry Hilliard.