OBITUARY
William Blanks Hilgers
December 31, 1924 – July 17, 2020
Bill Hilgers passed peacefully out of this life at 95 on July 17, 2020; but this was not the first time Bill had faced death. At the age of 18, he survived 30 bombing missions over Germany, crash landing on the last mission in Belgium. Later, he survived a gas pipeline explosion, a hunting accident, a raging, thousand-pound cow, and beat cancer not once, but three times. Bill was a tough guy! However, when cajoled into talking about his life, Bill said that he never expected to live past the war, so every day since has been a gift.
Bill was born on December 31, 1924 in Lockhart, Texas, the son of Harry Hilgers and Minnie Jo Hilgers. He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Hewlett and is survived by his brother Harry Hilgers. He graduated from Lockhart High at 16 (where he excelled in debate and music) and was accepted at the University of Texas in Plan II (where he sang opera and played the trumpet in numerous bands). However, the happy school life ended when Bill lied about his age in order to join the Army Air Corp and serve as a bombardier navigator. After the Belgium crash, in the spring of 1945, Bill was sent to Big Spring, Texas where he met the enchanting Sara Lamun on a blind date. Bill, who was no dummy, immediately recognized his good fortune and they were married in December of 1945. Their marriage was a happy and successful one until Sara predeceased him in 2014 at the age of 92.
After the war, Sara and Bill moved back to Austin, where he returned to UT, studying accounting and law while continuing his interest in music as an avocation. After opening up an accounting firm with his father Harry, he began a sixty-five-year career as a lawyer with an emphasis on corporate, tax, and estate planning. In 1977, Bill founded the law firm, Hilgers & Watkins, where he worked alongside his long-time partner, Tom Watkins, to improve the disciplinary process of the Bar. Bill was passionate about legal ethics and served as chair of both the Travis County and the Texas Bar Association Board of Directors. He was a founding director of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism. Recently, the Austin Bar Association named their new building, “Hilgers House”. He had too many important people in his life to mention, but one that must be acknowledged is his lifetime friendship with Justice Thomas Reavley.
Bill’s interest in music never waned. He sang in his church choir for 40 years. He served on the Boards of KMFA and Austin Symphony, as well as the advisory board of Conspirare. Most important to him was his service on the Board of the James Dick Foundation and Festival Hill at Round Top. Bill invested hundreds of hours helping the Foundation get off the ground and flourish. His friendships with James Dick and Lamar Lentz at Round Top were two of the most important in his life. He was at his happiest sharing a concert with Sara at Round Top.
Underlying most of what he did, Bill also had a deep spiritual life. This life centered around the University Christian Church where he was a Life Elder and founding member. If this was not enough, he was also Chair of the Texas Bible Chair and served as the President of the Christian Church of Texas. Long an advocate for the study of religions, Bill worked to establish the Foundation for Religious Studies at the University of Texas.
Bill was an unrelenting force for good during his life. An advocate for justice, equal opportunity and community development, even in his waning years he was looking for worthy causes to support. A complete list of his community service is too large to include, but these are a few. He fought for school integration during the 1950s. He was Chair of the Del Valle School Board for six years. He was appointed Chair of the Human Opportunities Corporation during President Johnson’s War on Poverty. He was a founding board member of the Travis County Legal Aid Society. He served on the Lola Wright Foundation Board for 30 years. Bill also had the good fortune to become a founding director of the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation. While Sara lead the initiative, Bill helped her in the founding of the Elroy Community Library and the East Travis County Library District.
Another of his eclectic passions was organic farming. For most of their married lives, Bill and Sara lived on a working farm two miles north of Elroy, Texas just outside of Austin. Stoney Point Farms, true to its name, was always a challenge but Bill, along with Alex Smithwick, his trusted farm manager, was successful in raising organic crops for the cattle and horses. Bill was constantly trying new complicated ideas and plans (some more successful than others) to transform Stoney Point to a state-of-the art organic farm. He was never more excited than when talking about some new concept promising to solve a soil deficiency.
Bill is predeceased by his wife, Sara and his son John. He is survived by his three children; Sara, Paul (Nancy), and David (Joan); his grandchildren: John Michael, Sydney Hilgers Popovich (Jason), Lauren Hilgers (Taylor Price), Kelly Winship (Adam), Matthew Hilgers (Heather), and Blakely Scott (Aaron). He is also survived by his great grandchildren: Aster and Isaac Winship, June and Zella Hilgers, Maedee Scott and Vincent Hilgers. He is also survived by very loving nephews and nieces who meant a great deal to him.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Westminster Manor, particularly Patricia Wilson and Yolanda Cabrera for their miraculous kindness and care.
The family will plan a Memorial Service when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the James Dick Foundation or KMFA.
Memories
William Blanks Hilgers
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYEd Scharlau
January 9, 2021
So often I am chatting on the phone with someone in Austin and Bill comes into the conversation. Happened several times in the past week. It was my delight to work with Bill on a homeless project as well as the Foundation for Religious studies. Moved from Austin to Iowa in 2018 and have out of touch. Memories are so strong. Just had so much respect.
Pat Luna
September 5, 2020
David, Paul, Sara and family,
You were all such a big part of my life when I worked so many years for Mr. Hilgers during the '80s. He was the most kind and gentle attorney I had worked for, and I loved him very much. My heart goes out to all of you and I know how proud you are of him for all his many accomplishments during his lifetime. He was a bigger-than-life figure and I will never forget the privilege of being his "right-hand assistant" for a decade. May your memories of your beloved dad and mom give you comfort during this time.
Pat Luna
Robert Mezquiti
August 11, 2020
Mr. William B. Hilgers was an exemplary, incredibly influential and extraordinarily kind human being. I had the good fortune of meeting Bill and Sara while assisting with a few of his very many organic farming ideas.
I looked forward to our meetings at Stoney Point or anywhere else we would find ourselves dreaming up ideas on how to be better stewards of our environment. I came away from each meeting hoping I would have the same enthusiasm and energy as he did everyday of his life.
I have no doubt he will live on through the memories of his dear friends. I am the most privileged and fortunate to have met this giant of a man and will miss him dearly. He has truly left and indelible mark on us all.
Mike Kennedy
August 7, 2020
David,Paul and family- I am so saddened to know of your dad Bill’s passing.
Knowing him since 1985, he was always quietly impressive with his observations , wisdom ,generosity and caring.
The affection for the firm with his dear partner Tom Watkins was evident in all the interactions I was fortunate to have with him.
Bill’s positive impact on behalf of all the clients and non profit entities he supported and advocated for and the community at large is an honor few men can demonstrate.
Bill was a good man.
The acorns don’t fall far from the tree and you all demonstrate the the same in my opinion.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Wish you peace in this difficult time.
Mike
donn fullenweider
July 31, 2020
Bill Hilgers was a wonderful man and a consummate lawyer. He set the ethical standard for those in the legal profession and always offered to help others. We served together on the Board of the Texas Bar and became friends. We tried one case together and I learned a lot from Bill. I looked to Bill for ethical advice. His wisdom was always helpful.
Max Barclay
July 27, 2020
Bill Hilgers was a wonderful man who I had the pleasure of knowing for most of my life.I have so many fond memories of growing up with the Hilgers family spending time with my lifelong best friend son Paul. I feel very fortunate to one be one of the many extended family members of the entire Hilgers family.My heart and love goes out to the entire family.❤️Max &Nancy Barclay
Gary Lopez, Sr.
July 26, 2020
On behalf of the family of Herminia (Minnie) Lopez (deceased),
We offer our most Sincere Condolence to Paul and all of the Hilgers family. I met Paul and Mr. Bill Hilgers when my Aunt Minnie passed away. I learned that Paul and my Aunt Minnie were dear friends and that the Hilgers family welcomed her as part of the Hilgers family. Mr. Hilgers personally assisted our family after my Aunt Minnie's passing. Paul continued to reach out to us long after her passing. The Hilgers family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Fitzgerald
July 26, 2020
He was was as good and decent and talented a man as I ever knew.
I am proud to have been one of his many friends.
Rene and I send our most positive thoughts to his family.
Tom Coopwood
July 26, 2020
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was always so nice to me remembering my family in Lockhart. His brother Harry and sons David and Paul are also fine friends. We will all mourn his passing. What a great man!!!
Tom Forbes
July 24, 2020
Bill Hilgers was a wonderful example of what it means to be a friend, advisor, leader and professional. I met Bill at the beginning of my career and was fortunate to be the recipient of his advice and thoughtful wisdom. He was generous with his time and always available to visit, offer advice and counsel, and share good stories. I am one among many who have the good fortune to call Bill my friend.
Tom Forbes
James Rader
July 23, 2020
Our worthy Brother Hilgers was a 73-year member of University Masonic Lodge No. 1190, AF&AM, making his our longest held membership. We had the pleasure of presenting his 70-year Service Award in person at Westminster in 2017. We know his eternal spirit resides now with the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
Jimmy Brill
July 23, 2020
Goodness!
Like many others will be, I was amazed by the number and variety of Bill's interests and can only imagine the time and effort that it took for them. He was interested in the opportunities to serve and not just to build a resume.
He and I were active in trying to plan and present programs that would help the lawyers of Texas improve their ability to practice law more efficiently and more effectively. Above all, he was an exemplar of integrity.
I am thankful that I had those opportunities. If all lawyers could reflect his example, the Bar would not need grievance committees. People like Bill don't come around often enough.
Jimmy Brill
Margaret Lalk
July 23, 2020
A deeply kind gentleman of towering intellect and wide ranging curiosity. His passing leaves a hole in many communities.
Janet Monteros
July 23, 2020
A giant of a man, I will always remember his commitment to children with dyslexia. I met him and Sara through Bishop John McCarthy many years ago at an event on the Huston Tillotson campus. What an honor to have known him. May God continue to hold him in the palm of his hand and many, many blessings to his family.
Preston Edward Henrichson
July 23, 2020
I was privileged to serve on the State Bar Board and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline when the changes in our lawyer discipline process occurred under Bill’s leadership and tireless work. He was an inspiration to me and the other members of the Board and Commission. I have fond memories of Bill both as a person and a lawyer, and will always remember the twinkle in his eye with a smile. He left us all better off than we were before him.
Rev. Joseph C. Parker, Jr
July 21, 2020
I remember Mr. Hilgers with fond memories, as I reflect on his standard of excellence in the practice of law and his heart for the community and advocacy for justice, as I saw his work "behind the scenes" in particular on the Barbara Jordan Foundation board. May his family find peace in the Lord and joy in the memories that are being expressed!
Susan Gentz
July 21, 2020
Bill Hilgers was a wonderful example of what a lawyer should strive to be. Smart and knowledgeable, dedicated to representing his clients, generous to his community, and a true leader for the bar. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. I was privileged to begin my legal career at Hilgers, Watkins & Kazen as a clerk and an associate. My condolences to David and Joan, and to all the family and friends who will miss him.
Rikky Rivers
July 21, 2020
Bill Hilgers' statesmanship and leadership was powerful, inclusive, and inspiring. He was perpetually full of ideas and energy which he freely gave with a servant's heart: to his law firm and the legal profession, to the cultural arts world, to his land stewardship initiatives, to his church, and to the lives of so many people he cared about. We'll miss you, Bill.
Sam Johnson
July 21, 2020
Bill was a real giant of the Austin Bar. He was a great lawyer and also a great guy. He always seemed to have a project going to improve something in Austin. And he had a really great smile, a great laugh and often a twinkle in his eye. I only got to work with him on one matter, but it was a great joy for me. Bill, you have left a great example to us all. RIP.
Claude Ducloux
July 21, 2020
Bill served as an example of the complete lawyer: a lawyer of impeccable integrity, a bar leader, a mentor to two successive generations of lawyers; a civic leader, an active member of his religious community, and moral compass for ethical guidance. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hilgers. You have left us a better community.
Rhonda Brink
July 21, 2020
Bill was a gentleman whose imprint on Austin's legal community will long be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family in our time of great loss.
Beryl Crowley
July 21, 2020
Bill Hilgers was a great lawyer for his clients and that’s how I first met him—in transactions. He was also a great mentor and friend to me as we worked together to establish the Texas Centrr for Legal Ethics. I served on the board of the Texas Bar Foundation with Bill as a lodestar. I learned much about Leadership from Bill.
My sympathies to his adult children especially to David And Joan and Paul and Nancy whom I know the best.
Berry Crowley
Richard Pena
July 21, 2020
When I was a young lawyer Bill was always encouraging and accepting. I always admired his humility an his ability to recognize what was really important. Our legal community will truly miss him. Bill was in the class of elder Texas lawyers that are considered giants in our profession. It is sad to see him pass, but it is a joy remembering the legacy he left.
Jolynn Free
July 19, 2020
Bill Hilgers was quite simply one of the finest men I ever knew. It was my privilege to be the beneficiary of his wisdom and good will for decades and I am most grateful for his life. In lieu of gathering in celebration and memorial I am remembering the glorious service for Sara at University Christian several years ago. May the Lord bless and comfort the Hilgers family.
Jolynn Free
Frank Maloney
July 19, 2020
Bill was one of the leaders of our profession.. He produced many ideas and projects to advance the ethics of the practicing lawyer enhancing and improving the legal profession....