Jerome C. "Jerry" Hileman

1946 - 2025

Jerome C. "Jerry" Hileman

October 4, 1946 - July 26, 2025

Jerome C. "Jerry" Hileman, 78, of Wytheville, VA, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on July 26, after a courageous months-long battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of devoted service, enduring love, and quiet strength that will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

Born on October 4, 1946, in Pittsburgh, PA, Jerry began his career as a laborer with U.S. Steel Corporation. In 1966, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Over the course of his distinguished 28-year military career, Jerry completed two tours in the Republic of Vietnam and rose to the rank of full Colonel. His exemplary leadership and valor earned him numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Superior Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

He was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, and was inducted into the Artillery Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1967. Jerry also held training as an Adjutant General and Military Police Officer. His contributions to the field artillery community were recognized with his inductions into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara in 1991 and the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara in 1994. His final assignment before retirement was as Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center in St. Louis, MO, overseeing services for nearly half a million Army Reserve members worldwide.

Following his military retirement in 1995, Jerry relocated to Las Vegas, NV, where he continued to serve his community through a second career with the United States Postal Service. For over a decade, he was a familiar and friendly presence at his neighborhood post office.

A man of wide-ranging interests and talents, Jerry loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours gardening, landscaping, and crafting with wood. He enjoyed cooking, archery, and stamp collecting. Jerry was also a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Wytheville, VA, where he served on the parish vestry.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn (Connolly) Hileman and Robert W. Hileman; his brothers, Robert, Terrance, and John; and his sister, Joan (Hileman) Burns. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Frances (Sling) Hileman; his son, Matthew Hileman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In honoring his memory, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jerry's name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Jerry will be remembered not only for his extraordinary service and achievements, but for his warmth, integrity, and quiet generosity. His was a life well-lived, guided by duty, compassion, and love.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA, conducted by Dr. Tom Day. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until service time. Friends and family will be invited to an interment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Grubb Funeral Home

215 S. 6th St. Wytheville, VA 24382