Walter Junior Hillman

Walter Hillman Jr. was born to Walter Carl and Lydia Tammie Hillman, September 2,1928 in Deshler, Nebraska. Walter grew up there and graduated from high school. He loved playing sports and was a Yankee’s baseball fan, liked basketball and of course, loved the Nebraska Corn Huskers!

Walter went to work for the broom factory in Deshler. He later got a job at an ammunition depot in Hastings, Nebraska. He met and married Nadine Benson August 15,1947, Nadine’s birthday. Their only son, Tom was born in 1949. The family moved to Portland in 1965 and drove into town in their brand new 1956 4 door Ford! Walter worked briefly at a broom factory here and then landed a good job at Nabisco where he retired after 34 years. Strangely, when they made the banner for his retirement party nobody knew who “Walter” was because they all called him Pete for 34 years! During this time Walter and Nadine raised their son, Tom, provided for him, made sure he got a good education and took him on many a drive out in the country, especially in the Pleasant Home area. Tom said “He was the best dad I ever had!” Walter played catch with Tom in the street in front of their house. He let Tom pitch and Walter was the catcher. He taught him how to throw a knuckle ball and became his Little League coach! Tom remembers that his dad went to every one of his games.

Walter and Nadine lived in North Portland at first, then Gresham and finally Wood Village for the last 62 years. Nadine passed away November 10, 2017. Walter was into new cars and he worked extra hours so he could pay for them! He loved them so much he bought 14 of them over the years and that is not counting a few pickups he also bought along the way! Walter liked to stay in shape and walked 5 miles a day. He also loved mowing his yard. Even when legally blind at 93 he was still mowing his yard. Tom figures he had the yard memorized since he couldn’t see it very well! Walter loved being home and rarely ventured far from there. There were occasional trips to Nebraska to see his parents but not many others.

When I asked Tom about his character, Tom replied, “He was!” Walter had a good sense of humor and was always supportive of Tom. He was so proud of him when he graduated from Reynolds High. Tom remembered his dad as a hard worker, a good provider who was caring and whom Tom looked up to. He has not only lost his father but his friend.

Walter went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ April 7, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Nadine. He is survived by his son, Tom of Gresham.

A funeral service for Walter will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, OR 97030. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Gresham Forest Lawn Cemetery, 400 SW Walters Rd, Gresham, OR 97030.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Hillman family.