John Richard Hillery, 76, passed away Friday, January 21, 2011, at Ball Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born January 24, 1934, in Muncie, the son of James and Thelma (Stamm) Hillery.
John graduated from Muncie Central High School. After graduation, he attended Ball State University and earned a B.A. Degree in History. John was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was Past-Master of Whitney Lodge #229 in New Burlington. He was a member of High Street United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending their Thursday Senior Luncheons. John loved spending time with his family, friends and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Harris Hillery, Muncie; six children, Michael Miller, (companion-Sunny), Muncie; Joyce Conyers, (husband-Roger), New Castle; Cynthia Dub, (husband-Peter), Noblesville; Teresa Benton, (husband-Ed), Columbia, North Carolina; J. David Hillery, (wife-Leanne), Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Becky Reese, (husband-Paul), Indianapolis; two step-children, Margaret Scott, (husband-John), Quincy, Massachusetts; and Bill Harris, (wife-Rhonda), Charlotte, North Carolina; eleven grandchildren, Brian Conyers, (wife-Shellie); Brandon Conyers, (wife-Christina); Shawna Netser, (husband-Dan); Chris Miller; Hillery Eiser; Chelsea Dub; Joseph Dub; Rachel Dub; Ryan Hillery; Margaret "Meg" Hillery; and Andrew Reese; three great-grandchildren, Nicole Conyers; Kaitlyn Netser; and Jackson Netser; three siblings, Pat Banawitz, (husband-John); James "Jim" Hillery; and Rex Hillery, (wife-Barbara), several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Patricia Hillery; five siblings, Arthur "Bud" Hillery; Jean Heilman; Dr. Robert Hillery; Larry Hillery; and Jerry Hillery; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hillery and Ann Hillery; and one brother-in-law, Phil Heilman.
Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at High Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Charlotte B. Overmyer officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, north of Muncie.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday.
Memorial contributions may be sent to High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High Street, Muncie, IN 47305 or the Masonic Home, 690 S. State St., Franklin, IN 46131.