Wilmer Ross Hill, age 83 years and 2 months, son of Ross Hill and Clara (Crabtree) Hill, was born Aug. 20, 1931, in Raymondville, Mo. He passed away Oct. 30, 2014, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Mo.
Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Alma Morrison, Lorene Huggins, Pauline Craig and Linda Smith; his two brothers, Roy Hill and Thomas Hill; as well as his grandson, Jerrid Hill.
Wilmer is survived by his wife, Bettie (Patterson) Hill; daughters, Debbie Sourthern and Rhonda Talbott (Vernon Talbott); and his son, Larry Ross Hill (Diana Hill). Wilmer had four remaining grandsons, Brad Cole, Jeff Talbott, Spencer Talbott and John Whitwell; and six great-grandchildren, Kaleigh Cole, Abby Cole, Maddy Cole, Brailey Cole, Riley Talbott and Blake Talbott. Wilmer is also survived by his two brothers, Harold Hill and Carl Hill; and his sister, Allene Moncrief; and many nieces and nephews.
As a young man, Wilmer worked as a logger and for the railroad in Peoria, Ill. He later returned to Raymondville, where he married Bettie Patterson. They owned and operated several local businesses before relocating to St. Louis. Wilmer was drafted to the United States Army and actively served from 1952 to 1954. He spent eight months in the hospital prior to being medically discharged. Wilmer worked as a Union Carpenter until 1965. He was later admitted to the St. Louis Veterans Hospital, where he spent six months in treatment for war-related illnesses. Upon his release, Wilmer and Bettie returned to Raymondville to raise their family.
Wilmer served on the Raymondville School Board for 15 years, 12 of which he was President. He also served as Mayor of Raymondville for nine years, Booster Club President, Raymondville Fire Chief, Lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Lifetime member of the American Legion and he umpired church softball leagues.
Wilmer was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt and enjoyed several sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with his large family, devoting time to his grandsons and great-grandchildren.
Wilmer will be greatly missed by his friends, family and particularly his wife of 63 years, Bettie.
Services were 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Kendall Ford and Pastor Jim Root officiating. Pallbearers were Brad Cole, Larry Hill, Jeffrey Talbott, Vernon Talbott, Spencer Talbott and Bobby Moncrief. Honorary pallbearers were Bud Chipps, Gene Evans, Dean Clover and Leroy Hinton. Burial with full military honors was in Boone Creek Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home, B-Corp, 620 N Jefferson, St. James, MO 65559, in his honor. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
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