Otto Donald Hiller

Otto Donald Hiller, known to family and friends as Don was reunited in heaven with his mother, father, brothers, and sisters on Friday, October 12, 2007. He passed away at the age of 81 at his home in Austin surrounded by his family.

He left behind his loving wife Nita to whom he was married for 58 years, his children Donna and Richard Wier of Round Rock, Philip and Cheryl Hiller of Austin, Lewis and MarLu Hiller of Arlington, and Carol and Michael Larner of Austin. He was adored and will be missed by nine grand children, Erin Smith, Kyle Meredith, Jeff and Lauren Hiller, Jay, Jon and Joy Hiller, Grace and Jenna Larner, and three great grandsons.

Don was born on October 2, 1926 in Hamilton County Texas to Otto and Verna Hiller. His six siblings preceded him in death: Hellen McCorkle, Johnny Hiller, Vera Thomas, LaVerne Hiller, Lloyd Hiller, and Nelda Jackson. We know that a wonderful family reunion is taking place in heaven. Don was raised in Goldthwaite, Texas and had fond memories and stories of his early life.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Army and followed two of his brothers into military service and combat. He was stationed in Japan and the Philippines and drove a "duck" to carry troops from ships to shore. He was also present on the USS Missouri for the signing of the Japanese surrender. He was honorably discharged and immediately enrolled at the University of Alabama seeking a Mechanical Engineering degree. After his college days Don returned home to Goldthwaite where he went to work for L.P. Reed Construction Company. His work as a mechanic allowed him to travel throughout Texas. One of his jobs was the construction of the Whitney Dam across the Brazos River. It was in Whitney that he met the love of his life, Juanita Taylor.

Don and Nita married on June 16, 1949 and put down roots in Austin where they created a home to raise and nurture their four children, Donna, Philip, Lewis, and Carol. To provide for his family, Don worked for Central Texas Equipment Company in Austin for 33 years as a heavy equipment mechanic and shop foreman until his retirement. Don was involved with his family in Austin; however, he never forgot his family in Goldthwaite or his extended family in Whitney. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and lover of the outdoors. Don was involved with the Boy Scouts and served as a troop leader. He had many memories and stories of Boy Scout outings at Lost Pines Camp and Camp Torn Wooten. He also loved wildlife and purchased and raised wild mustangs at his ranch in Goldthwaite. Don was active and involved in his children's school functions. He supported them by attending football games, choir concerts, band concerts, and drill team activities. Don continued this support by attending similar events involving his grandchildren. One of Don's many goals in life was to insure that his children had more opportunities then he had. He wanted his children to graduate from college. Don worked tirelessly to provide a college education for each one at the University of Texas. From 1969 to 1988, Don made sure that his children could attend UT without having to worry about tuition, books or other educational costs. When his last child graduated he was honored by the University for his commitment to achieving this significant goal. Through Don's hard work and determination he was able to reach this goal without any loans so that he and his children would be debt free. Thank you, Dad.

Another goal was for each of his children to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Through Don's Christian witness and Christ like lifestyle, this goal was also realized. Don and Nita joined Hyde Park Baptist Church in 1952, where they were both baptized, and actively participated as Sunday school teachers. Don enjoyed teaching and sharing the truths of the Bible with teenagers. Don's profession of faith and personal relationship with God gives his family comfort in knowing that he is in heaven where there is no pain or tears, just eternal joy with Jesus. Although his wife Nita and their children were the love of his life, another joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He took them hunting, fishing, swimming, and bike riding. He enjoyed watching them in band performances and at baseball and soccer games. They knew that Granddad always had a smile, hug and a kiss for each of them. They could always get him to play a game, color a picture, work a puzzle, or just sit in his lap and watch TV.

A visitation with the family and celebration of Don's life will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Weed Corley Fish Chapel followed by a graveside service at Capital Memorial Gardens.

Don will be honored by son-in-laws Richard Wier and Michael Larner and grandsons Kyle Meredith, Jeff Hiller, Jay Hiller, and Jon Hiller who will serve as pallbearers.

Contributions in Don's memory may be made to the Robinson Creek Hospice in Austin, TX, National Parkinson Foundation, Alzheimer Foundation or a charity of your choice.

This tribute we leave you. Don Hiller - Christian, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend - The world is a much better place because of your life and love. Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 14:23.