Donald Floyd Hilligas

1947 - 2025

Donald Floyd Hilligas

Donald Floyd Hilligas, born on May 26th 1947, in Belle Plaine, IA passed away on July 5th 2025

in Porterville CA following a long illness. He was the beloved son of Merle Hilligas and Arlene

Leetsch. Don, as he was affectionately known, not only served 24 years in the United States Navy, but

served his community in church and AA programs. Many people found comfort in his words, lessons in his stories and love in his beliefs. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived, and for the profound impact he had on the lives he was so

lucky to touch.

After completing a 24 year career in the United States Navy, where he served on several ships and earned awards and recognitions for his hard work and dedication. He then switched careers to be a Stationary engineer for the State of California eventually retiring again after 12 years. He ended his careers driving a school bus for Porterville Unified School District. Once

retiring completely, he donated his time and skills to the Porterville Senior Daycare, his church

and to friends and family.

Don joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1973. As he maintained his sobriety until his death, the

amount of lives he was able to impact will forever be unmeasurable. He attended meetings, lead meetings, was a mentor and a sheer inspiration to all members he had interactions with.

Many who knew him would agree that Don would wish for his greatest legacy to be the family he leaves behind. Don is survived by the love of his life, wife Donna of 61 years, their 4 children and spouses Tonda and William Fletcher, Dean and Dani Hilligas, Lenny and Vernicea Hilligas and Sheryl and Michael Sanchez. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren

and 6 siblings.

Our community, his friends and his loving family are mourning the loss of a great man. Although

his physical presence may no longer grace our lives, the memory of him will continue to inspire

and uplift us. The family will receive friends and family at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center on July 15th at 11:00am to honor Don.

The Family would like to give thanks to Sequoia Transitional for the care our loved one received.