Thomas Donald Hillson, 70, of Ames, died April 5. He was born in Austin, Minnesota, to Donald and Anies Hillson. . Visitation will be at Stevens Memorial Chapel (607 28th St, Ames) on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 2-4:00 p.m. Celebration of Life will be at the funeral home on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.
He graduated from Charles City High School and Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Master’s degree in plant physiology. He worked in the Iowa State University forestry research lab; for CE Software; and managed and supported the computer systems for the ag college at ISU.
Tom was an avid orchid grower, starting with 2 seedlings and eventually grew to 6000 orchids in his greenhouse at his home. In the 1980s he helped found a Mac user group at ISU. He and his wife took many trips to Yellowstone National Park. They were enthusiastic supporters of ISU athletic teams.
He is survived by his wife Glenda; brother, David (Cynthia); sister, Denise (Steven) Long; brother-in-law, Wesley (Lauri) Winters; aunt, Elaine (Tom) Trotman; nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve.
