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Richard D. "Dick" Hillis

Richard D. "Dick" Hillis, 75, of East Brady, PA, formerly of Petrolia, PA, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019, at his home.

He was born Sept. 3, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Arthur S. and Gladys L. (Davis) Hillis.

Dick graduated from Union High School in 1961. He played percussion in the marching band in high school and at Clarion State College where he earned his Associates Degree. Dick then graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1964. He purchased the Hepler Funeral Home in Petrolia in 1967. Dick expanded his business in 1980 by purchasing the J.D. Miller Funeral Home in his hometown of Rimersburg.

Dick was an integral part of the Petroleum Valley communites. He provided the Petroleum Valley with an ambulance for many years including the Friday night football coverage for the Karns City Gremlins. He was a member of the Petrolia Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he was the treasurer and an Elder for many years. He was a Past-Master of Argyle Masonic Lodge # 540, New Castle Consistory, Rimersburg Lions Club, Rimersburg Community Club, and served as a Butler County Deputy Coroner. Dick was very involved with the Bear Creek Cemetery serving on the board and as treasurer for many years.

In 1971, Dick obtained his private pilot license and enjoyed flying his own plane. He shared his love of flying with many friends and family often taking them along on trips. Dick enjoyed having people around all of the time, family, friends, and friends who were like family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille "Cille" (Gibson) Hillis, of East Brady whom he married on December 27, 1975; his daughter, Jana Hillis (Jenna Faller) and his grandchildren, Jessica Pulliam, Jennifer Pulliam and Justin Pulliam all of Maryland and numerous nieces and nephews by blood and by love, and very special great-nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, A. Eugene Hillis.

The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, Inc., 758 Main St., Rimersburg, PA.

Further visitation will be from 2 - 4 PM and 7 -9 PM on Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, Inc., 102 Argyle St., Petrolia, PA where a Masonic service will be held at 6:45 PM.

Additional visitation will be from 9 AM until time of services at 10 AM on Saturday on June 15, 2019, at the Petrolia Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 107 S. Argyle Street, Petrolia, PA with the Rev. David Perry and Rev. Richard Rowe co-officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dick's honor to Clarion Forest VNA and Hospice, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214.

Interment will be in Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, PA.

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