Donald Lawrence Hilgeford

A 1952 graduate of Chaminade High School, Don soon met the love of his life, Madonna, after crashing the wedding of her best friend. That chance encounter began a beautiful love story and 69 years of marriage — the joy and foundation of his life. Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Don was a member of St. Helen Parish, where he proudly ran the Main Booth and Raffle at the parish festival for more than 60 years. He also served as an usher for many years.

Since 1987, Don was the owner and operator of Mr. Hipp in Fairborn, where he built many lifelong friendships.

He enjoyed cheering on the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals, playing golf, watering his flowers, feeding his birds, and soaking up the sunshine from his chair in the driveway. Don was witty, loyal, and a true “funny guy” who especially enjoyed gathering with family and friends on Fridays at Bunny’s Hasty Tasty — a place filled with fond memories and familiar faces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Emreda Hilgeford; his son, Dennis Hilgeford; his granddaughter, Stefanie Moran; his son-in-law, Matt Moran; his brother, Paul Hilgeford; and his sister, Carolyn Hilgeford.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include his beloved wife, Madonna Hilgeford; his children, Denise Moran, Dina (Dan) Byrnes, Darla (Mike) Donohue, Devon Madsen, Drew (Mindy) Hilgeford, and Clifford Madsen; grandchildren, Dannah (Ernie) Vardaman, Matthew (Anna) Moran, Michael (Courtney) Donohue, Sean (Kelly) Donohue, Molly Donohue, Casey Byrnes, Maggie (Erik) Schneider, Jack Byrnes, Alex Hilgeford, Eric Hilgeford, and Kate Hilgeford; great-grandchildren Manuel and Benita Moran; Isla and Dominic Donohue; Murphy and Luke Donohue; and Dani and Lucas Schneider. Don is further survived by his brother, Jim (Celia) Hilgeford, and his sister, Marilyn Fischer.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Dayton for their compassionate and loving care during Don’s final weeks.

Don loved life, and he was deeply loved by his family and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Visitation will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432, on May 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Prayers will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel on May 27, 2026, at 10:15 am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, 5100 Burkhardt Road, Riverside, Ohio 45431, on May 27, 2026, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45409, on May 27, 2026.