David F. Hillard

HILLARD, David F., age 69, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Vandalia Park Nursing Center. He was born March 30, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Ruth & Robert Hillard. He earned his Bachelors Degree in History from Ripon College in Ripon, WI, where he also taught ROTC. David spent his career in the Army, notably undergoing Ranger training and being stationed in Germany, Ft. Campbell (KY), Ft. Lewis (WA) and Ft. Wainwright (AK). He served in Vietnam as a commander of Company C, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees) as well as a second tour of duty with the South Vietnamese Army. He received many medals for his service including two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and a Valorous Unit Award for the 3-506th Phan Thiet. After his retirement from active duty, he lived in Fairbanks, Alaska where he worked for the North Star Borough School District as a Purchasing Director. He enjoyed outdoor activities, hunting, camping and especially fly-fishing. He tied beautiful Spey flies which he shared with his many friends. He also created handmade Kentucky rifles which were true works of art. He was a faithful member of the University Community Presbyterian Church. David was a devoted husband, caring for his wife who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. He is survived by his wife, Diana Hillard of Vandalia, OH; his daughters, Elizabeth Hillard (Paris, France) and Caroline Hillard (Vandalia, OH) and one son, David Hillard (San Francisco, CA). Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 22 at the Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University Community Presbyterian Church or the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Davids memory.