Richard “Rick” E. Hills

Richard “Rick” E. Hills, 58 of rural Abingdon, died Saturday evening, March 28, 2015 at his home.

  He was born March 15, 1957 in Galesburg, the son of Virgil R. and Elnora June Harmon Hills.  He married Teresa Fishel on March 14, 1981 at the Congregational Church in Abingdon.

  Rick is survived by his wife of 34 years, Teresa; two daughters, Hollie Hills of Galesburg and Hannah (Michael) O’Connell of Davenport, Iowa ; one son, Joseph (Taylor Learned) Hills of Abingdon; 5 grandchildren, Chloe, Jamil, Skyler, Alex and Mylan; two sisters, Cheryl Porter of Abingdon and Catherine Hills of Abingdon; one brother, Clinton (Linda) Hills of rural Galesburg; his mother-in-law, Joyce Fishel of Abingdon, who Rick referred to as “his favorite mother-in-law”; and nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Bob Fishel.

  He had lived in the Abingdon area all his life.  He attended Abingdon High School and later attended Carl Sandburg College where he studied computers and Industrial Electricity.  He worked at Briggs Manufacturing in Abingdon for several years until it closed and later at Caterpillar in Mossville.  He currently worked at Mid-State Manufacturing in Galesburg. 

  He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, though he would applaud anyone who beat the Packers.  Rick was an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and observing wildlife.  He loved his family and spending time with his grandkids and his pets.

  Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Abingdon Cemetery.  Rev. Jeff Robbins will officiate.  Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel and the family suggests that those attending wear casual attire and sporting team apparel.

Memorials may be made to Abingdon Banty League or the family.  Online Condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.