OBITUARY: John Harvey Hill

John Harvey Hill, 91 of Harrisburg, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at the Carrier Mills Nursing Home.

John was born on Feb. 26, 1922, in Centralia, to the late Alvis Obie and Elsie Linn Hill. John was a watchmaker and jeweler by trade, working in the Harrisburg area from 1950 until his retirement. He was a Methodist, a Mason and a veteran of World War II, having served with Darby's Rangers and the First Special Service Force in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Norway. He participated in five invasions and was awarded five bronze stars, one with silver arrowhead, as well as Marksmen medal and Combat Infantry Medal. John loved hunting and fishing and for many years spent winters in Florida at Lake Okeechobee and summers at Elizabethtown. He had special fondness for children and fishing buddies.

Surviving family members include his wife: Linda Asa Hill; daughter: Josette (Greg) Blackman and their children: Trishalana Ford, Christen Ferrer and Stephanie Buchert; his great-granddaughter: Josephine Leah Ford; daughter-in-law: Editha and her children, John Edward and Edmond Jason Hill; stepsons: William P. (Jane) Asa, Robert L. (Ellen) Asa and their families.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Betty Sanchez Harriett James; son: Kenneth; and a granddaughter: Emma Jane Hill.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Rev. Dr. Bud Peyton will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg where military rites will be conducted by the Harrisburg and Carrier Mills American Legion, VFW, and the National Guard. Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel. Masonic rites will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.