Paul H. Hillis, Jr.

Paul H. Hillis, Jr. 65 of Centralia passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Centralia Manor in Centralia. Paul was born July 23, 1947 in Litchfield, son of Paul H. Hillis, Sr. and Maxine (Billiter) Hillis. He married Maxine Kawamura in Honolulu, Hawaii and they later divorced. He also married Phyllis (Stock) Hillis and she preceded him in death. Paul is survived by his parents, a brother: Edward Hillis of Philadelphia, PA; a sister: Karen Copple of Maryville; two nephews: Jonathon Hillis of Philadelphia, PA and Cameron Copple and wife Jennifer of Maryville; four nieces: Sara Hillis and special friend Patrick Cleary of Philadelphia, PA, Dayna Hillis of Philadelpha, PA, Jennifer Hillis of Baltimore, Maryland and Arielle Copple and special friend Lucas Connoway of Centralia; two great-nephews: Owen and Ryan Cleary of Philadelphia, PA; numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, Maternal Grandparents Harry and Ethel Billiter, Paternal Grandparents: Charles and Carrie Hillis, Maternal Uncles: Ellis and Clara Billiter and Everett and Alma Billiter; Maternal Aunt: Jerry and Joe Anderson; Paternal Uncles: Jesse and Minnie Hillis, Fred and Wilma Hillis, Ted and Winnie Hillis, and Med and Vertis Hillis; Paternal Aunts: Ethel and Carmen Flanakin, Lorene and Al Bradley, Floss and Lou John Oldani and Eunice and Francis Kearbey. Paul graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois with his Bachelors and he also graduated from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with his Doctorate of Juris Prudence. He was an Attorney for 33 years. He also was the States Attorney and Public Defender in Marion County. He was of the Methodist Faith. Paul enjoyed playing pool, he was an avid collector of anything that caught his eye, a historian, with in-depth study of the John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King assassinations and he loved animals especially beagles and boxers. Funeral services for Paul H. Hillis, Jr. will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Rusty Beals officiating. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield, friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Relay for Life, Salvation Army or to the Donor’s Choice and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Paul H. Hillis, Jr.

July 23, 1947 - June 8, 2013