Person:Richard Hills (1)

Deaths Richard L Hills Nov. 25, 1924 -- Oct. 29, 2002

Richard L Hills, 77, of Ball St died Tuesday morning at Bay Park Communi ty Hospital in Oregon.

He was born in Findlay to Lyle and Helen (Smith) Hills. He married Ali ce M Doll on Nov. 25, 1948, in Findlay. She died June 28, 1997.

Mr. Hills, known to those who loved him as "Dicky Bird," graduated from Fi ndlay High School, received an associate's certificate in engineering fr om Princeton University, a bachelor's degree from Findlay College, a speci alist certificate in school administration from Colorado University a nd a master's degree in education from the University of Toledo.

He served with the U.S Army during World War II, having been awarded the P urple Heart and the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with three bron ze stars. He was a lifemember of the Fremont VFW and a member of the Fremo nt Eagles Aerie and Moose Lodge.

Mr. Hills was the principal for the former Riley School. He retired in 19 81 from Sandusky CO Schools, having been director of federal project s. He worked for Nickles Bakery in Fremont for 10 years until becoming i ll earlier this year.

Surviving are son Thomas (Vickey) Hills of Fremont; granddaughters Stepha ni (Steve) Letzring of Kansas, Lori (John) Gonzales and Nanci (Jake) Kosan ka, both of Fremont; step-granddaughters Kristin and Kelly Hossler; and fo ur great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 48 years, he is preced ed by his parents, brother Clarence Hills and sister Rosella Ernst.

Memorial service: 7 p.m. Friday, Triumph Foundation Church, with visitati on one hour before the services.

Memorials: Easter Seals.

Arrangements: Nopper-Karlovetz Mortuary.

His kind heartedness, great smile and love for others will be greatly miss ed. Mr. Hills family does celebrate that he is now in heaven giving glo ry to God.

Originally published Thursday, October 31, 2002