Edward O. Ed Hillman

Edward Orin Hillman, 78, of Livingston, Montana passed away Friday, Jan. 27th, 2017, after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Ed was the oldest of nine children born in Livingston, Montana, Jan. 24th, 1939. He moved around with his family and lived in Oregon, Yampa, Colorado, and Clyde Park. He attended primary school in Livingston, and was fond of saying, 'I laugh and joke but I don't play games and I quit school because they had recess.' He met Donna Lee Bevin, the love of his life and they married October 23rd, 1958. They bought their first home on the windy Five Acre Tracts where they raised three children. In 1977 they built a home in the Shields Valley. As a young man Ed drove a logging truck for his dad, worked at Les' Standard Station, Livingston Laundry, Park Lumber and Downer Lumber Company, as well as driving truck and delivering pop for the Pepsi Cola Company. He learned the construction business while working for Archie Mann. In the early 70's Ed bought a well drilling rig and became a very successful business man. Eventually he sold his drilling business and went to work for Touch America laying fiber optic cable. In his early 60's he went to work for Park County as the Road Department Supervisor where he enjoyed good comradery with his crew. Ed enjoyed the outdoors his entire life. He looked forward to hunting camp every year. Not for the hunting so much as the time with his family in their canvas wall tent. He had a passion for motorcycle riding; in the mountains, down the road, or sitting on the handlebars riding it backwards. A favorite pastime was riding his Razor with Donna at his side and their dogs in his lap. There was a special spot in his heart for Lake Powell and Moab, Utah. He spent plenty of time with his family playing in the water and soaking up the sun on the houseboat. He loved seeing the desert in bloom. The two cruises he and his family took to Alaska, were highlights in his life. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna. His children, Dr. Leslie Hayes (Tim Lawhorn), Vince Hillman (Val), Wendy Wendt (Wayne), grandchildren, Jesse DeFord (JD), Paige Fetterhoff (Erick), Brandon Hillman, Tanner Viers (Elizabeth), Taylar Hillman (Bob Bilodeau) and 13 great-grandchildren, siblings Chuck, Melvin, Gary, Jim, Virginia, Peggy, Tina and special friends Tina and Gary Libsack. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Bray, and his father Miles 'Bud' Chandler Hillman, and sister, Frances Stratton. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1st, 11:00 a.m. at The Livingston Christian Center, 1400 Mount Baldy Drive with further celebration of Ed's life following. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Livington HealthCare Hospice at 320 Alpenglow Ln. Livingston, MT, 59047 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.