Forest Samuel Hill, affectionately known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away to be with the Lord at 1:04 a.m. Wednesday morning, Dec. 5, 2012, in Waco. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday morning, Dec. 8, at the Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South, in Abilene, Texas. Visitation for family and friends will be 10 a.m. until service time. Forest will be laid to rest beside his wife Evelyn and his son Michael in Elmwood Gardens in Abilene.
Forest was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Hill; his son, Michael Hill; his sisters, Marie Merrell and Wanda McKeever; and his brother, John D. Hill. After Evelyn's passing, he later married Audrey Booth, who also preceded him in death.
Grieving his passing yet celebrating his life are his son, Forest "Skip" Hill and his wife, Darci, of Huntsville; his daughter, Pat Holland and her husband, Dan, of Waco; his son, Wesley Hill and his wife, Kaye, of Kaufman; and his daughter, Cindy Balentine of Bedford. Surviving also are Forest's grandchildren, Jonathan Hill of Virginia, Christopher Hill and his wife, Shelley, of Rockwall, Derek Hill of Spring, Scott Holland and his wife, Jennifer, of Carrollton, Tricia Marek and her husband, John, of Axtell, Justin Hill and his wife, Lauren, of New York, Stephen Hill of Austin, Richard Hill of California, Kevin Balentine and his wife, Lisa, of Colorado, and Kayla Balentine of Bedford. Great-grandchildren are Caterina Hill, Roman and Isabella Hill, Sidney Holland, Baylie and Braden Marek, and Connor King.
Forest Samuel Hill was born Oct. 17, 1920, in Cross Plains, Texas, to Sam and Bessie Slough Hill. Forest was a charter member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, where he served a number of years both as a deacon and as a Sunday School teacher, and in numerous other positions of Christian service throughout his life. He lived in Abilene over 20 years where he raised his family and owned and operated a mechanical contracting business. He served our country in the United States Navy in World War II in the Iwo Jima Theater. He will be remembered for his legacy of leadership and for his commitment to his faith, his family, and his community.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his memory to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, Texas 79605.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at om" www.elmwoodfuneralhome.com.
Elmwood Funeral Home, 325-692-0655
October 17, 1920 - December 5, 2012
Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Pat and Family - I was so sorry to hear about Forest. I didn't learn until after the fact, so please forgive the slow response. Forest was truly a cornerstone of the Slough Family Reunions. Such dignity and respect. I ALWAYS enjoyed talking to him about past reunions. And, my son, Jason enjoyed saying something to make him smile. He was a delight and we will ALL miss him very very much. Praying for you all.
Judy Cole
December 15, 2012
Dear Pat & Family,
Our condolences on the loss of your father. We were honored to carol for you all on Sunday.
St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir
Marcia Dutschmann
December 7, 2012
Pat, i am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hope with Providence Hospice.
December 6, 2012
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more