Donald J. Hill, age 84 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood after complications from a brief illness. He was born November 2, 1930 in Elwood, the son of Elmer “Todd” and Osa Pearl (Walser) Hill. Don’s parents died when he was 3, and he was raised by his brother Noah Eugene “Bud” and his wife Blanche (Parker) Hill who became his parents. Don retired from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after several years as a Technology Engineer. He also previously worked for Prudential Insurance Company; Indiana-Michigan Power Company in Elwood; Anchor-Hocking Glass Company; and Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson. When he was younger, he enjoyed working at Leeson’s Grocery Store in Elwood. He was President of his graduating class of 1950 at Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served as a Brevet Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he worked in the Adjunct General’s (JAG) office in Japan and served in combat in Korea. Don received multiple honors for his time in combat, including a Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) for time spent on the front line. Don received his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and later received his Master’s Degree from General Motors Technical School in Flint, Michigan. He married Nancy J. Cotton on June 7, 1953. Don was formerly a member of Hobb’s United Methodist Church and currently attended the First Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #77 in Anderson; the Elwood Public Library Board; the Madison County Library Leasing Board; and a member of the Madison County Alcohol Beverage Commission Board. He was a member of the Elwood YMCA and the Elwood Conservation Club and taught young family members and other youth about the importance of gun safety. He was a past recipient of the Elwood Samaritan Heart award and was known for his many good deeds and acts of kindness. A comment was once made that Don had friends of every age group, from 5 years to 80 + years. In addition to Don being remembered for riding his 3-wheel bike throughout Elwood; he will be most remembered for being gracious, generous, and kind-hearted to everyone he met.

Don’s family includes daughter, Evelyn V. Hill of Elwood; brother, Kenny (wife Jacqueline) Hill of Leesburg; 3 sisters-in-law, Becky Hill of Pendleton, Joyce (husband Col. Earl) Ruby of Carmichael, CA, and Marilyn (husband Dallas) Etchison of Bangor, ME; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of more than 51 years, Nancy J. (Cotton) Hill who died in 2004; son, Stephen E. Hill who died in 2011; 7 sisters, Carrie Richardson, Irene Wantland, Mary Ervin, Betty Crowder, Wilma Parker, Elizabeth Hill, and Joyce McElfresh; and 5 brothers, Noah E. “Bud” Hill, William Hill, Dave Hill, Richard Hill, and William “Bill” Hill.

A Funeral Celebration gathering will be planned this summer in conjunction with the Elwood Concerts in the Park for family and friends prior to a scheduled concert. Following Cremation, burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home is honored to care for Don’s funeral arrangements