John C. Hille

John was born in Beaumont, Texas on January 16, 1934. He departed this world at home with his family. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife Sandra of 29 years, children Vicki Sherrill and husband Ronnie; John C. Hille, Jr., and wife Kathy; James R. Hille and wife Tammy; Suzanna Hille Mills; Steve Adams and wife Celeste. He is also survived by grandchildren Lauren Harris and husband Nathan, Mary Beth Hille, Brandon Mills, Nathan Hille, Michelle Hille, Joshua Adams, Jimmy Sherrill, Paul Hille, Faith Hille, Trey Hille, Alexandria Adams and Mattie Adams and great-granddaughter Hannah Harris. Sharing in our loss is his brother-in-law Larry Franke, and wife Sharon; brother-in-law Roger Franke, and wife Joyce and sister-in-law Kay Franke as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

John attended Texas A&M University where he served in the Corps of Cadets. He left A&M to attend flight school for the U.S. Air Force, where he was certified first as a navigator and later as a pilot. Commissioned January 2, 1954, he served 22 years in defense of his country, including flying two tours in Vietnam, retiring at the rank of Major.

In addition to John's active duty service, family responsibilities and other commitments, John was able to complete his education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, graduating with a BBA. In 1975, he moved to Austin, where he began a second career in accounting, working for various departments for the State of Texas for over 20 years.

Upon his retirement, he and his beloved Sandy began their years of world travel. These were John & Sandy's happiest years. They visited all the places John had been stationed while in the Air Force, but never had the time to enjoy. Taking trains, planes, vans and cruise ships, they traveled to the four points of the globe including Spain, Panama, Greece, China, Japan, Russia, Thailand, Egypt, Great Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and various other countries in Europe. Of all their travels, they were partial to trips within the United States. They especially loved Alaska and Hawaii. Maui was one of his favorite places to visit where he loved to watch the whales and became a proud member of the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Two of John's favorite forms of entertainment were musicals and football. Les Miserables was John's favorite musical. He had seen it five times and planned to see it twice more in the coming months. He also loved watching the Dallas Cowboys when Tom Landry was coaching, and listening to the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band play the Aggie War Hymn.

Of all the interests in his life, more than anything he loved to fly. Last year, for his birthday, Sandy bought him one last opportunity to pilot a plane. Now, John flies without boundaries, without need for fuel, never tired, and always a co-pilot to his Savior Jesus Christ.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Morris and Dr. Robert Meyerson for their excellent care. They would also like to thank Shelley Baker with Hospice Austin for her exceptional care and compassion.

Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18th at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home at 3125 North Lamar with services following in the chapel at 10:00 a.m. Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers will be Brandon Mills, Nathan Hille, Joshua Adams, Jimmy Sherrill, Paul Hille and Trey Hille. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park with military honors.