Col. Homer S. Hilleary

Col. Homer S. Hilleary, 101, of Danville passed away on February 28, 2019 peacefully at his home surrounded by family.

He was born on February 13, 1918 in Danville, the son of Homer Sylvester and Grace (Golden) Hilleary. He married Vera Lois Wallace in July of 1942, preceding him in death in 1988. Homer later married Norma Draper in January of 2005. She survives.

Homer will be deeply missed by his wife, Norma, son, Jim (Karen) Hilleary of Glen Ellyn, IL, grandchildren, Kristin (Colin) Leicht, Harrison Hilleary and great grandchildren, Elizabeth Jane Leicht and Sophia Grace Leicht.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Vera and siblings; Ray, Emil, Ruth and Nellie.

Homer attended officer candidate school in Cheyenne, WY followed by deployment during WWII in the China, Burma, India theatre. Upon return to the U.S. his military career was spent achieving the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserve with mobilization assignments to Army Headquarters in Washington D.C. He started his time in the Army in 1942 and came back to start his career at Newport Army Ammunition Plant in 1947, retiring as Top Civilian Operations Officer in 1974. Homer was awarded the Department of Army Meritorious Service Medal in January of 1975. After retirement he enjoyed physical fitness, golfing, spending time with his family and traveling, especially the annual family trip to Hawaii. He was an active member in the Danville Elks Club, YMCA and St. James United Methodist Church.

A celebration of Homers life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at St. James United Methodist Church 504 North Vermilion St. Danville, IL with Rev. Randall Robinson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Monday March 4, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 North Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834. He will be entombed at Springhill Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in his name to St. James United Methodist Church. Please join Homers family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Monday March 4, 2019 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Tuesday March 5, 2019 1:00 PM Saint James United Methodist Church 504 N. Vermilion St. Danville, , IL 61832