75, of Vermont
David Lee Hilliard, 75, of Vermont, Illinois, passed away at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
He was born on April 28, 1950, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Edwin and Shirley Hilliard. He married Diana Linn Allie on September 27, 1992, in Fountain Green, Illinois. She survives.
Also surviving are six children: Evonne Hilliard of Macomb, IL; Kevin (Melissa) Hilliard of Bardolph, IL; Kathy (Tom) Shopshire of Columbus, OH; Michelle (Rodney) Shaffer of Vermont, IL; Jennifer Kempf of Des Moines, IA; and Tony Kempf of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and six siblings: Merv (Carol) Hilliard, Sandra (Harold) Wulf, Phyllis Kreps, Dennis Hilliard, Richard Hilliard, and Buddy Whisenhunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ginger Hilliard; and two brothers, Edwin Hilliard and Lewis “Scooter” Whisenhunt.
David attended Aledo High School before serving in the United States Air Force. He later worked as a correctional officer and retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections.
David had a passion for motorcycles, corvettes, and dogs, and was known for always staying busy. He especially loved cooking and cherished family cookouts. Though he could be stubborn, David was also sweet-natured, funny, and deeply devoted to his family. He took great pride in his marriage to Diana and in the life they built together.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family of David Hilliard. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh. com.
