Richard "Dick" Hill's Obituary
Richard "Dick" Hill, 87, went to be with his Savior on September 29, 2024 at Northeast Regional Medical Center. Richard was born September 27, 1937 in Unionville, Missouri to Floyd and Myrtle (Steele) Hill, the eighth of nine children. His parents and his siblings, Albert Lee Hill, George Raymond (Lois) Hill, Clifford (Gertrude) Hill, Max (Letha) Hill, Marilyn (Frank) Elliott, Lois (George) Cooke, Sara Lou (Dick) Levardsen, and Edward "Eddie" Hill all preceded him in death, except for his sisters-in-law, Gertrude Hill and Letha Hill who survive. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Dick had a kind heart and loved his family. He cared for his Uncle Ralph Hill, Aunt Mary Dunkin, and his sister, Lois Cooke at the end of their lives, taking care to make sure they had what they needed and visiting them daily.
He grew up in Unionville and graduated with the Class of 1955. He had so many friends in that class that were not only school friends, but became lifelong friends. Many an adventure was had by him and his friends throughout the years. Dick began working at Skelgas after high school and was self-taught with heating, cooling, appliance repair, and many other tasks. Skelgas was sold several times, and after losing his entire retirement after the final sale, he was faced with the decision of what to do next in the middle of his life. It didn't take hi long to decide to do what he knew how to do, so he started his own business, "Dick's Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair", which he successfully operated for over 30 years. Those who knew him knew he could fix anything, and always wanted to do whatever he could to help someone out. Many a snow storm, cold spell, or hot spell found him called out late at night so he could relieve the stress of those whose heating and cooling systems had decided not to work at the most inopportune time. After retirement, he continued to fix all kinds of things for his children, grandchildren, and those he loved.
Richard met and married Joyce (McElhinney) Hill on July 10, 1966, and she survives. They celebrated their 58th anniversary in July, and while they didn't have a big celebration this year, they had one on their 25th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries. On their 40th and 50th, they celebrated with their favorite band, The Silverado's. Dick and Joyce were avid dancers and missed only a few Saturdays at the VFW in Kirksville. In fact, even though he wasn't able to dance, he went to the dance and got to listen to his favorite band play on Saturday night before he passed on Sunday. Dick was a giver and always wanted to take care of his family and friends. He was the kindest and gentlest man.
To the 58-year marriage of Dick and Joyce, two children were born: a daughter, Kimberly Sue (Hill) (Jason) Knight, and a son, Jason Dean (Nikki) Hill who also survive. In kindergarten, Kim met her lifelong best friend, Elizabeth (Reichert) Beyer, and while she wasn't Dick's daughter by blood, she was thought of as one of his, as was her daughter, Ashley. While he loved his children and taught them so much, the apples of his eye and the joys of his life were his three grandsons, Caden Dean Hill, Jeffrey Mark Knight, and Colt Gerrick Knight, and they survive as well.
Dick was saved and baptized in the Church of Christ as a youth, and later attended First Baptist Church of Unionville and then Broadlawn Baptist Church. He lived his life as Christ would have wanted, being an amazing example of selfless love, service, and devotion. He treated everyone the way he would want to be treated, and always wanted to give to those in need.
Funeral services for Dick will be Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 2:00P.M. at Playle and Collins Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri with a visitation on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 6:00-8:00P.M. He will be laid to rest at the Unionville Cemetery. Memorials suggested by the family are Broadlawn Baptist Church and P.C. Café and Senior Center and they may be mailed to Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, ATTN: Hill family, 709 S. 27th Street, Unionville, MO 63565. Condolences may be shared online at https://thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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