Donald "Don" Edward Hileman

Donald (“Don”) E. Hileman, age 81, of Brandenburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born to Roy and Ethel Hileman on December 24, 1942, in Pennsylvania, and lived a life marked by dedication, service, and a deep love for his family, friends and community.

A proud veteran, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961, serving overseas in Germany before being stationed at Fort Knox. While at Fort Knox, he met and married Mariam Hileman. The couple shared 52 wonderful years together. After his active-duty service, Don continued to serve in the Army Reserves, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his country.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Don embarked on a distinguished career at the Naval Ordnance Station in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the years, he held a variety of roles, ultimately overseeing the International Corrosion Control Conference. His leadership and dedication were recognized with the creation of the Hileman Award, though he always remained humble, sharing the credit with the many colleagues who supported him throughout his career. His work allowed him to travel the world, gaining valuable insights into other cultures and broadening his understanding of the world.

Throughout his career and life, Don was known for his kindness, generosity, and the ease with which he made friends. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether a person or an animal. His passion for learning was also a constant in his life. While working full-time, he pursued multiple degrees, including an electronics degree along with an electrical engineering technology degree, and an Occupational Education degree, both from the University of Louisville.

Faith was central to Don’s life. He was introduced to the Community of Christ (formerly the RLDS church) through his marriage and became an active member, eventually being ordained to the priesthood. He ministered to his congregation in Byrneville, Indiana, sharing his love for God and his community with all those he encountered.

Don Hileman is survived by his daughter, Diana Hileman, son-in-law, Hari Chittaluru, and grandson, Skyler Chittaluru, who will cherish his memory and the lessons he imparted, as well as his sister-in-law, Cecelia Horsley Beeler, brother-in-law, Kevin William Taylor; and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mariam Hileman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pets in Need Society, a cause that was close to Don’s heart. Following is the contact information for PINS: P.O. Box 522, Brandenburg, KY 40108, Brandenburg, Kentucky 40108, (270) 422-3838, https://www.petsinneedsociety.org.

Don lived a life that touched many, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him. His kindness, integrity, and unshakeable devotion to his family, his friends, his faith, and his country will be remembered forever.

A visitation for Don will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4623 Preston Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40213. A service to honor the life of Don will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Don will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, along with his beloved wife, Mariam Horsley Hileman.