John P. Hill Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John P. Hill, age 86, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 6:28 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2017, in the Integrity Health Care Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Thursday, January 29, 1931, in Benton, IL, the son of Bryan and Ruth (Fletcher) Hill. John attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1949. He also attended Southern Illinois University Vocational Technical Institute where he learned the skills of being a machinist. He answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. He faithfully served from January of 1952 until the time he was honorably discharged in October of 1953, with the rank of Sergeant. John was united in marriage to Mildred Louise Mandrell on Saturday, July 9, 1955, in Corinth, MS and together they shared nearly 56 years of marriage until her death on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Early in his working career, prior to serving in the Army, he worked at Elliot’s Dairy in Marion. He also worked many years for Container Stapling in Herrin and later as a miner for the Consolidated Coal Mine of Sesser, IL, working for 20 years until his retirement. John was a member of the Reorganized Later Day Saint Church of Marion and was baptized on June 22, 1947, in Benton, IL. When he was a young man he loved roller skating. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, writing songs, pitching washers, working crossword puzzles and woodworking. He loved his family and enjoyed the many times they spent together. The memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vickie (Hill) and Rick McAlpin of Marion; granddaughters, Stacey (McAlpin) Rix and husband Ryan and Janie (McAlpin) Havens and husband Chad all of Marion; great-grandchildren, Loralie and Cora Rix and Jacie, Victoria, and Chase Havens all of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Robert “Kelley” and Gloria Wall of Marion; grandchildren, Anita (Wall) Gentry of Carterville, IL, Erica (Wall) Blumenstock and husband Joe of Nashville, IL and Chad and Todd Wall both of Marion; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Gentry, Joshua Blumenstock, Joseph Blumenstock, Hannah Gentry, Heidi Gentry, Gunner Wall and Jackson Blumenstock; three sisters-in-law, Gaynelle Hill of Evansville, IN, Deloris Hill of Independence, MO and Betty Jean Hill of Colorado, several nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Ruby Evans; five brothers, Delmar, Bryan “Jr.”, Jimmie, Billy and Robert Hill; half sister, Denzil Launius and half brother, Forrest “Buster” Hill. Arrangements for John P. Hill were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation was from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in John’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. with David Rix presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson, “When I Get Where I am Going” by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton and “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. The postlude musical selections were various religious hymns that were recorded of John whistling. Interment followed in Mount Pleasant Poordo Cemetery located east of Pittsburg, IL. Pallbearers were Ryan Rix, Joey Clark, Jerrod Clark, Chad Havens, Jeremy Followell and Joey Dale Clark. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail of Marion. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Gene Broombaugh; Bugler, Bill Rice; Color Guard, Bob Casey and Jessie James; National Colors, Roger Morris and Firing Squad, Ralph DeVasier, Tim Payne, Fred Read, J.J. Rice and Ron Russell. Members of the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail participating in the folding of the flag were SSGT Brandon Page and SPC Adonicca Trovillion. During the folding of the flag the recorded musical selection “America the Beautiful” was presented. Presentation of the flag to John’s daughter Vickie was by SSGT Brandon Page. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Vickie and Rick McAlpin’s home for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either or both “Shriners Hospitals for Children” and “Veteran’s Hospital of Marion” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

John P. Hill

January 29, 1931 - March 16, 2017