Morris Lynn Hillman

Morris Lynn Hillman was the second child born to Cecil and Marvalee (Gentry) Hillman on February 26, 1947, in Beloit, Kansas. Morris was baptized in the Ionia United Methodist Church. He attended school in Glasco, Ionia, and Esbon, and received a mechanics degree from Wichita Vo-Tech. He was united in marriage to Judy Jean Hake on September 15, 1963, in Ionia, Kansas. To this union four children were born: Ranae Lynn, Shelli Annette, Shane LeRoy, and Renita Faye. This marriage was dissolved. On June 4, 1982, he married Cheryl Barnes of Burr Oak. Morris died September 4, 2008, at the Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas, at the age of 61 years.

Morris was a supporter and 20 year member of the Burr Oak Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as a member of the Burr Oak city council and was a member of the Burr Oak Gun Club. During his life he worked at various places, including a car dealership in Cawker City, Walker Grain, and Cosand Automotive. He also ran a gas station and Morby’s Café in Ionia; a bar and grill in Burr Oak, and his own catering business.

Morris enjoyed cooking for various organizations, occasions, and during harvest at the elevator. He enjoyed helping his kids work on their homes, helping his oldest grandsons cut iron or fix fence, and most of all running around town on his Bobcat. On any given day you could find him at Cosand’s or J & H Service doing what he did best – visiting.

Morris was preceded in death by his mother; brother, Earl Ray; and a granddaughter, Tamara Michelle.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl of the home; his dad, Cecil Hillman and wife Lola of Ionia, Kansas; his sister Pat and husband Frank Diemart of Ionia, Kansas; three daughters, Ranae Jacobs, of Burr Oak, Shelli Kuhlmann of Mankato, and Renita and husband Cody Volker of Burr Oak; son, Shane and wife Kristi Hillman of Mankato; step-son, Jerry and wife, Shanna Barnes of Powell, Wyoming; and step-daughter, Kelley and husband, Nick Bunting of Billings, Montana; 20 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and former wife, Judy Miller.

A celebration of life service for Morris Lynn Hillman was held Monday, September 8, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Richard Cox officiating. Pianist was Mrs. Wanda Fraiser. Casket bearers were: James Harris, Mike Harrisl, Robert Johnson, Rick Warneking, Steven Cosand, Johnnie Tucker, and Larry McMains. Interment was in the Ionia Cemetery, Ionia, Kansas, with Aaron Turner, on the bagpipes. The family would like to suggest that memorials be given to the Burr Oak Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of new tables that Morris always wanted. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.