Howard M. Hills

Howard “Howie” Martin Hills

1SG (Ret) US Army Born Nov 10, 1925 Died Apr 20, 2011

Howard passed away peacefully after battling for years with COPD and breathing related issues. He was born to Clinton and Amanda (Olson) Hills in Aurora, IL. He joined the Army shortly after graduation from high school and served 24 years; attaining the rank of 1SG. Early in his career, he met and married Jeanne (Botnen) Hills, the love of his life. They had two children, Dennis and Valerie, and eventually settled in Security, CO.

After retirement from the Army, Howard was co-owner of an Enco gas station and mechanical shop in Security. He then entered the Federal Civil Service with the Ft. Carson Fire Dept where he attained the rank of Asst. Chief and then Chief of Fire Prevention.

When he left the Civil Service, he went to ITT, FELEC Services, and became the Fire Chief for all the DEW Line sites across Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.

Howard was also a member of Security Village Volunteer Fire Dept where he attained the rank of Asst. Chief. During his 20 years there, he was renowned for his cooking skills; During their day, Howie, Norm, and Stew always did the cooking duties for the various banquets, dinners, and 4th of July Street Breakfasts. It was during his time on the SVFD and his years with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse that he made most of his lifelong friends.

After more than 50 years of service to his country and community, Howard finally retired to enjoy the company of his family and friends. He liked fishing and RV camping, and loved a good game of pinochle, poker or cribbage. He really enjoyed the Tuesday luncheons with the retired firefighters from SVFD, and the bi-weekly poker games at John’s house!

Howard was a larger than life kind of guy; always up for a good time, and he liked to say “If you aren’t smiling, you’re not doing it right”. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. His outstanding attitude should be an example to us all.

Howard’s wife , Jeanne, passed away in Feb, 2001. He is survived by his son, Dennis (wife Sandra), his daughter, Valerie, two brothers, Donald and Richard, a sister , Jean, grandchildren Damien, Heather, Brian, and Lauren, and six great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Life Care Centers of Colorado Springs for their kind and loving care of Dad in his final days. We would also like to thank Security Village Fire Department for their prompt responses during his times of need, and for their loyal support of a fallen brother.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Security Village Fire Department, or the American Cancer Society