Donald Hill

Donald was born on December 30, 1925, in Greenup, Illinois, the son of Bethel and Sattie Freeman Hill. He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Middlesworth whom he married on June 30, 1951, at the Methodist Church in Charleston, Illinois.

Donald is also survived by two sons, David Hill of Bloomington and Brian “Buzz” (Barbie) Hill of Naples, Florida; a daughter, Susan (Kelly) Davidson of Ooltewah, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Katherine Jean (Dalan) Thornton, Brian William Hill, Kylie Ellen (Brad) McKlveen, Peter Freeman Hill, Allison Cates Davidson and Sara Beth Davidson; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kathryn Luedke of Chatham, Illinois and Caroline (Phil) Hadley of Springdale, Arkansas; and one brother, LaVerle Hill of Placid, Florida.

He was was preceded in death by a brother, William Hill; and a daughter-in-law, Sally Hill.

Donald was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University High School, Eastern Illinois University and the Illinois College of Law, Springfield. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Don joined the State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Company as a Field Claim Representative in 1951 and retired from State Farm in 1990 after 38 years of service. During his career, he held a number of positions in the claims operation of State Farm’s Illinois Regional Operation and also worked as a legislative liason with the Illinois State Legislature. After retirement, Don became active in Faith in Action and the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program as a mediator. He was a member of the Illinois Bar Association, Wesley United Methodist Church of Bloomington and the Bloomington Exchange Club.

Donald enjoyed golf, fishing, and card games of all types. He also loved to travel, especially with Shirley, his children and grandchildren. Don enjoyed attending and watching a wide variety of sporting events, particularly when his children or grandchildren were involved. He was, without a doubt, the patriarch of his family and will be remembered as a loving son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather to his entire family. God blessed us with you Papaw.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 11:30 A.M. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Vaughn Hoffman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 502 E. Font Street, Bloomington, Illinois 61701, the Community Care Center, 407 E. Vernon Avenue, Normal, Illinois 61761 or to Silverdale Baptist Church, 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, Illinois is in charge of arrangements and the arrangements are announced by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com