Wesley W. Hilligoss Sr.

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Springfield High School

Wesley Hilligoss Obituary

JACKSONVILLE - Wesley W. Hilligoss Sr., 83, of Jacksonville died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Barton W. Stone Home in Jacksonville. He was born July 18, 1923, in DuQuoin, the son of Leigh and Myrtle Heiple Hilligoss. He married Marjorie Jolley May 9, 1947, in Tuscola, and she survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Lynn (husband, Dale) Johnson of Lake Geneva, Wis.; four sons, Wesley (wife, Gwen) Hilligoss Jr. of Springfield, Mark (wife, Beth) Hilligoss of Girard, Steve (wife, Lesa) Hilligoss of Virginia and John (wife, Isobel) Hilligoss of Tustin, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Olive Day of Tuscola. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Sara Hilligoss; two sisters, Helen and Virginia; and two brothers, Dean and Roy.

Mr. Hilligoss was an art teacher and guidance counselor at Springfield High School. Earlier in his career he coached football and golf. He served as camp director and caretaker of the Western Illinois 4-H Camp on Lake Jacksonville from 1960 to 1972. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. Mr. Hilligoss was an award-winning wildlife wood carver, enjoyed gardening, camping, and was an avid golfer and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2007, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial in Asbury Cemetery. Friends may call after noon on Sunday at the Williamson Funeral Home, where the family will meet friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Apr. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Wesley Hilligoss

10 Entries

Connie (Kalb) Sebok

May 16, 2007

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Hilligoss. I was out of town and my father e-mailed this to me from Florida. I loved Mr. Hilligoss and he was a wonderful influence to me as my counselor at Springfield High School. He would have been proud of the successful person that I went on to become. He was one of my favorite people in the world. I spent quite a bit of time in his office, not because I had to but because I wanted to. Class of 1974.

Gloria Winston

May 1, 2007

To the family...Mr. Hilligoss was my high school counselor and was a very nice and kind gentleman.

vicki denny

April 30, 2007

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Hilligoss, He was my counselor at SHS and boy did he have his hands full with me. I grew to love him for his kind mannerisms and soft voice. I spoke to him again and he was worried about a son in the military.God be with you all in this time of great loss.

Cindy McCurley

April 29, 2007

To the Hilligoss Family,

I was very fortunate in having Mr. Hilligoss as my Counselor during my 4 years at SHS. He helped me with a career path that has led me to a very satisfying career. I will never forgot all he did and said to me to help me be what I am today. I'm very sorry for your loss and would like to share something I hope will help in your sorrow. "Don't Cry Because I'm Gone, Smile Because I was Here.

Deanna Henry and John Langenfeld

April 29, 2007

Wes, Gwen, Jen and Family,
With all of our love and sympathy for your family. Although we are not close geographically, please know our hearts are right there with you in your time of loss.
We love you!

Al & Tony Little

April 28, 2007

To the Hilligoss family, we are sad at your loss.Our prayers go out to the whole family.Never, doubt God's wisdom.I,just have a feeling that God & Wes,are on the back nine.....

Norma and Chuck Browning

April 28, 2007

Dear Marje and Family:
I was very saddened when I read that Wes ("Mr. Hilligoss" to me!) passed away. He was such a fine gentle-man and a wonderful mentor to everyone when I worked in the Counseling Office (later called Guidance Center) at Springfield High School. Please know that your pain is in our hearts. You and your Family will be in our every prayer.

Charles M. LECRONE

April 28, 2007

I shall always remember Mr. Hilligoss fondly. He was a great art teacher at Lawrence Grade School and counselor at SHS. I was privileged to be one of his students and, later, to work with him as a fellow teacher. A good man who will be misssed but not forgotten.

Loretta Murphy

April 28, 2007

Marge and family,
Thinking of you during this
sad time. Happy that Wes passed
in peace. He was a great artist.
Pete & Loretta

Jerry Courtney

April 28, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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