Kenneth J. Hilliard's Obituary
Decatur-Kenneth J. Hilliard, 80, of Harristown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at his home with his loving family and friends by his side.
A service to celebrate the life of Kenneth will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, visitation will be Friday, 9:00 a.m. till the time of the service. Interment with the “Flight Home” ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials may be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation 1333 South Mayflower Avenue, Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016.
Kenneth was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 27, 1930 the son of John and Margaret (McNew) Hilliard. Kenneth was a Union Carpenter with Local 742 for most of his working years. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, and was known as the “Hudson Man” due to his love of restoring old Hudson automobiles. Kenneth was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He married Joann Armstrong on May 13, 1971.
He is survived by his wife of forty years, sons; Kenneth Michael Hilliard of Biloxi, Mississippi, Phillip W Hilliard of Stage Coach, Nevada, Richard Hilliard and wife Melissa of Bolingbrook, Illinois; Bob Colman and wife Cindy of Lancaster, California; and Alan Colman and wife Tonya of Champaign, Illinois; daughters, Debra Adams and husband Lee of Oreana, and Alice Hilliard of Oreana; brothers, John Hilliard, James Hilliard, David Hilliard, and Donald Hilliard; sisters, Addie McGuire, and Helen Coates, eighteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and one grandson.
The family would like to thank the Harbor Light Hospice Nurses and St Mary’s Hospital 4th Floor nurses for all of the kind care they provided. Also, the family requests that family and friends of Kenneth that own old cars drive them to the service for the procession to the graveside.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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