DANVILLE —
Luis W. Hilligoss, 69, of Danville, left this life to be with the Lord at 3:13 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at his residence, with his loving family by his side. He had courageously battled cancer for a year.
Lou was born Aug. 24, 1943, in Danville. He was the son of Louis and Margaret Jones Hilligoss.
He married Sandra L. “Sandy” Larson on Jan. 25, 1969, in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving are a son, Bryan Wright of McHenry; and a daughter, Amy (Charlie) Heidrick of Danville; a granddaughter, Lexi Heidrick, and a grandson, Jordan Heidrick, both of Danville. Other survivors include his brother, Terry (Cheryl) Hilligoss of Westville; and a sister, Sharon (William) Rolinitis of Venice, Fla.
Lou was preceded in death by his parents.
After graduating Westville High School, Lou attended Eastern Illinois University and Illinois Community College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965-1968. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. Lou was with the Army Intelligence Division.
Following the service, Lou began his 25-year career with General Motors in Danville. He worked in production, quality network and ended his career as maintenance support.
Lou was one of those “gentle” men who was loved by so many. He would drop anything that he was doing to come to the aid of others. His life revolved around his strong faith in God, followed by his love and commitment to his family. His family will forever remember him as being generous, loving, caring and very patient. He lived his life by following one simple belief: “To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.”
Lou was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He cherished times spent with family and friends at his cabin and hunting property. His love for hunting resulted in being a member of the National Rifle Association.
Lou started attending Bethel Baptist Church in 1974, and his strong faith led him to be a Sunday school teacher as well as a trustee for the church. He was very instrumental in renovating the Vermilion County War Museum in Danville. He also helped in procuring artifacts for the exhibits. He also was a very active member with the local V.F.W. post.
A celebration of life service will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. Officiating will be the Rev. Mark Carpenter. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, with military rites by American Legion Post 210. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Lou had a strong faith, and he believed that memorial contributions to the church were greatly needed. Please support Lou’s church by making your memorial contribution to the Bethel Baptist Church in Danville or the Provena United Samaritans Hospice Program.
Also, please join Lou’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
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Luis W. Hilligoss
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