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John Carpenter Hillyer lost his life after being ambushed by cancer. He was a man of wit, integrity, and wisdom, who never left the house without checking the burners on the stove, and who refused to leave this world without making sure that there were no loose ends. Those who loved him cherished him more for the richness of his inner life than for his accomplishments, although he would probably say that his greatest accomplishments were raising two strong, good sons, celebrating 45 years with his wife Fran, and maintaining 27 years of sobriety.
John was born on February 13, 1945, to two chemists, Dorothy and John, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. His youth in Bartlesville was captured in 1100 Springs' song, "Raise Hell, Drink Beer," which was written by his son Matt and which closes every 1100 Springs show. He was graduated from College High in Bartlesville in 1963, bound for Washington and Lee University, where he majored in sociology and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. After college, he married Fran and attended McCormick Theological Seminary from 1967 to 1971, receiving a Master's of Divinity. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, from 1971 to 1977and was associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, Texas, from 1977 to 1979, when he left the ministry. He spent the rest of his working years at the Dallas County Community College District in Computer Services, where he eventually became project manager.
He retired in 2011. He was a comprehensive reader, who would land on a writer or a period of history and exhaust the canon before he was ready to move to a new area of study. He delighted those who knew him well with his wicked observations of people and events. He loved all kinds of music, theater, and art and was equally comfortable with A.C./D.C. and Grieg, with Friday night crime shows and Chekov, Frito-chili pie and prime rib, and he adored his dog, Zoe.
He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Fran, his sons Nathan and Matt Hillyer, his daughters- in -law Teri Hillyer and Asuka Iwata, his granddaughters Naomi and Sophia Hillyer, and his Danish "daughter" Sanne Norgaard Fink.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Magdalen House free non-medical detox center at 1302 Redwood Circle, Dallas, TX 75218. A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 11122 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75229, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 with a reception to follow. Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com
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