Delbert Lee Hilliard, Sr., 57, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Bay Pines Healthcare System in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 21, 1950, the son of Delbert Laverne and Sylvia Eastlund Hilliard. Delbert grew up in a household of two beautiful sisters, Carol and Margaret, and a handsome brother, Bill; and later born into their family a beautiful step-sister, Shirley. His mother, Sylvia, was a fun lady and was fond of watching Red Skelton, eating popcorn and laughing until she cried. The family all laugh when they recall the day thaey got Mom to put on a pair of roller skatesthe old-fashioned kind and gave her a push down the hallway at home. It was her first and, probably, her last time she ever tried that.
His father influenced Delbert’s life by signing him for speed skating and Judo, each molding him to become a winner. Competeing in one of his more important speed skating meets, he was close to finishing and fell; however, he took home the Silver Medal. If he was to get better in either sport, he would have to choose between the two, and he chose Judo. He intensely learned the sport and became a second dgree Black Belt, going to the U.S. Air Force Nationals that competed against the Japanese team. He finished third in this competition, a great honor. He fulfilled his term of four years in the U.S. Air Force where his lovely two sons were born, Del, Jr. in Minnesota and Dustin in North Dakota. He would have spent the rest of his life in the military as it was in his blood, but he thought more about the family he was raising.
There wasn’t anything Delbert couldn’t accomplish when he put his mind to it. He was strong-willed, but a kind and caring man at the same time. When he saw someone in need, he would do what he could to help them. An aficionado of HAM radio, he met a lot of good friends, and considered himself to be quite the analyst dealing with people. He always wanted to be a police officer, protecting and serving; he did well in helping others whenever possible – that is just the kind of man he was.
We will miss you Del, but our consolation is that one day, we will all see you again walking the Streets of Gold in Heaven with Jesus.
He is survived his sons: Delbert L. Hilliard, Jr. of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida and Dustin Hilliard of New Port Richey, Florida; his sisters: Carol V. Hinchcliff of Princeton, MN, Margaret A. Wherley of Las Vegas, NV, and Shirley Piercey of Rogers, MN; and his brother, William L. Hilliard of Princeton, MN.
TO DELBERT
He was a man of his word; when he said something, he did it.
He also was a man who loved his family, and raised my brother and I to be men, not to hit or abuse women and to respect them and treat them with kindness.
He taught us to love your neighbor as your self.
He also taught us to never give up, that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Our Dad was there for us and that says a lot these days.
We love our Dad very much, and know we will be with him in Heaven because he asked Jesus into his heart.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760.
the emptiness,
the memories,
and now the tears.
my very best friend
for so many years.
I will miss Butch’s we always called him Butch conversations, with the big words he would use, but not quite in the right context of the conversation. Everyone who knew Butch knows what I mean.
My dad was one of Del’s – well we call him Butch – best friends. He came to visit us often and I have wonderful memories of him. It became a tradition that every time Butch would come and visit he would bring me a stuffed animal. I still have all the animals he gave me and can point them out! He came back to MN a few years ago and remembered this and gave me the largest, pinkest stuffed dog I’ve ever seen! He was such a great man and will be missed. My prayers are with his family during this time. God bless!
I have many memories of “Butch” from growing up and of his boys… “Butchy” and Dustin. What I will miss most is his laugh and witnessing the friendship him and my father have shared for so many years.
His life and their friendship was cut way too short.
To his family- you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Family; I knew Del thru Ham radio
when he lived at Rogers, MN. We lost contact over the years, but did happen to catch him on the air from Mpls one day, a few years back.
Yes, know that he is well cared for now and celebrating in Heaven.
I know you will always keep him in your heart. God Bless.
I have many fond memories of Uncle Del. I spent many memoriable times up north at the cabin with him and the family. I will also always remember that Laugh, just to hear it would make you laugh. He will be missed.
I had so much fun with
Del over the years. He was very kind and helped me a lot. He like so many had a lot of struggles in life. I lost touch and now have found out why. Best wishes to all of his family.