Michael Owen Hill

Michael Owen Hill May 6, 1948 - May 1, 2016 Michael Owen Hill, beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away May 1, 2016, in Monahans, TX. He was 67. Mike was born on May 6, 1948, in Lakeport, California, to Glines Owen Hill and Thelma Belle Gavette Hill Voreis. He graduated from Clearlake High School in 1965 and later graduated from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA, where he studied music and land management as well as other environmental sciences. He put his college education on hold when he joined the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, serving from 1967 to 1969 and attaining the rank of sergeant. Seriously wounded in combat operations, he received a Purple Heart for his service. He then returned to Humboldt State and completed his degree in environmental sciences. Mike would go on to a long, productive career with the National Park Service working as a park ranger at a number of places, including Channel Islands, Petrified Forest, Shenandoah, and Biscayne. He later served as a superintendent at Timpanogos Caves, Petersburg National Battlefield and Assateague Island. He then served as the superintendent for Texas Parks and Wildlife Region 1, which is what brought him to Fort Davis, TX. After his daughters graduated from Fort Davis High School, Mike continued to play an active role in the community. He was a member of the Fort Davis United Methodist Church and a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program. When budget cuts led to the cancellation of the music program at the middle and high schools, Mike stepped in to serve as a volunteer band director for the past two years. He led the small but dedicated group of students through pep rallies and field shows, sharing with them his love for music and his belief in its value to students. For his dedication to the band Mike was named Fort Davis' 2015 Citizen of the Year. He is survived by his daughters, Morgan and Jamie Hill, and sister, Mary Glinette McMurray. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glines Owen Hill and Thelma Belle Gavette Hill Voreis. A memorial service will be held at the Fort Davis United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m., with a reception following at 3 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the Fort Davis United Methodist Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com