Alec Tillman cared deeply for his family and friends, and was accepting of anyone who crossed his path. Alec was supportive, loyal and dependable. He had enviable grit, joy, integrity and resilience; stubbornly defending what he believed to be right. We remember his huge grin, infectious laugh and occasional mischievous smirk. Alec was like your own son or bother you could just take him home and he would fit right in.
Alec’s tribe of Sedgwick friends grew up together and consider each other brothers and “Super Heroes for Life.” Alec was “Mr. Tough Guy” of the group. He identified with Captain America: the moral compass, strongest and “best looking.” (Quote Alec.) He wore his Captain America muscle shirt under his football jersey and under his prom tux. Yet he could still pull off a pink shirt. This tribe pushed each other in academics and life goals through athletics. Sedgwick Cardinals football finished their regular season undefeated their senior year. A friend remembers him being the most talented wrestler. “In kindergarten we had to wrestle each other. We were both bawling--me because I couldn’t pin him because he was too good; Alec because he didn’t like the idea of wrestling against his friends.”--Just an example of his heart for others.
After high school, Alec attended Hutchinson community college then Kansas State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in only three years, at the age of 20. Alec came home to Sedgwick, coached and mentored junior high boys basketball. --Pretty sure he taught the boys,”Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will build big muscles!”
Since March 2020, Alec followed his career path as Flex Member Consultant for Meritrust Credit union, serving his community.
Alec is survived by his father Christopher Tillman, mother Shannon Tillman, younger brother Connor Tillman, grandparents Paul and Sally Attebery, RonTillman, Donna Tillman, Godparents, Aunt Josette and Uncle Kelly Bell, Aunts and uncles, Charolette and Thad Willis,Heather and Michael Haskew , Ronna and Tony Arzola, Sally and Joey Vickers, cousins, Haleigh, JT, Kaitlyn, Jaimie, Carson, Chayton, Lincoln and Cole and numerous friends who were his brothers. Alec was preceded in death by his great great grandparents Paul and Thelma Attebery, great grandparents Mary Attebery, Francis Tillman and Wilda Tillman.
This shock of losing Alec breaks our hearts. His life was far too short. Thank you to all who have given your support and love during this very difficult time. Alec, you will live in our hearts and memories forever. When we were energetic and needed entertainment, you were there. When we were tired and wanted to relax, you were there. When we were happy and excited and wanted to share good news, you were there. When we were discouraged and somber, you were there. You were always there; present and impactful. We know somehow you’ll always be here.
A visitation will be held Saturday, July 25th, from 3-8 pm at Resthaven Mortuary, 1800 W Hwy 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A rosary service will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 106 E 8th St, Newton, KS 67114 on Monday, July 27 from 11-11:20 am. With a memorial mass to follow at 11:30. Due to COVID, there will be limited seating and masks will be required. A celebration of life will be held at the Sedgwick High School Football Stadium on Monday, July 27th at 8 pm. To celebrate Alec, the family requests the following attire: Sedgwick Cardinals, Kansas State, Pittsburgh Steelers or colors associated with those teams. Please bring lawn chairs and sit as families and practice social distancing. Mask wearing is your preference. The celebration of life is weather permitting, and will be rescheduled if needed. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Alec Tillman memorial fund ℅ Meritrust Bank. Check contributions to Meritrust Bank, 4319 N Meridian, Wichita KS 67207. Per Alec, these contributions will be going to his brother, Connor Tillman, to pursue his higher education after high school.
