Merlyn (Murray) Gene Hiller, 91, passed at home in Tucson on March 22, 2020. Murray was preceded in death by his parents Hjalmer and Lottie (Jeffries) Hiller; sisters Evelyn Hiller Long and LaVonne (Bonnie) Hiller Jablinske; brothers Robert Hiller and Vernon Hiller; brother-in-law Richard Long (Evelyn); and step-son Mark Newman. Survived by dearly loved wife Joan C. (Tynan) Hiller; sister Judy Hiller Christensen; step-daughter Jacquelyn Newman (Michael German); daughter Victoria L. Hiller Adams; grandchildren Clare German (USN LT AJ Dobransky); Grace Newman, Caitlin Newman, Tynan Newman, Ayla Hiller, and Alyssa Hiller; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Born on July 11, 1928 in Fairmont, MN, Murray grew up on a farm in a family of six children, and from a young age learned and lived the values of hard work and responsibility. Murray served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1968, retiring as a Master Sergeant and then in the USAF Reserves until 1978. He was known and respected for his dedication and leadership. After retirement from active duty, Murray worked for the Arizona State Department of Transportation, then for Bell Helicopter in Isfahan, Iran in 1978, and for Electricidad Minas in Toquepala, Peru from 1982-1984, and then for Hughes Electronics Corporation in Tucson. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion, as well as the Tucson Lapidary Club. Murray loved to ride his motorcycle with the VFW Riders, and especially to cruise up to Mount Lemmon with a granddaughter in tow. Murray was open-minded and adventurous, and had many great stories to tell. He gave great hugs, was always quick with the corny joke or pun, loved a good game of Mexican train, and could fix almost anything. He never met a person he didn’t make his friend, and he leaves behind many, many friends saddened by his passing. Murray you are deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Services to be held at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana – arrangements pending the current Corona Virus limitations and restrictions. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Wounded Warrior Project in Murray’s memory.
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