Donald E. Hills

April 24, 1951 - January 8, 2024

Overland Park, Kansas - Donald E. Hills, Jr. of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully at the age of 72 after a brave battle with cancer. He was cherished by so many and if you were lucky enough to know him you understand what a gift it was to be in his circle. He lived a life full of family, friendships, hard work, and love. He was the best husband, father, brother and grandpa and we could not be more proud of how he faced his final chapter of life.

Don was a simple guy- most at peace when he was outdoors fishing or golfing. His love of fishing was passed on to his grandchildren, especially his fishing buddy, Maxwell. They spent thousands of hours on the water together, bonding over their shared passion and of course keeping their boat spotless. He loved his family. He loved animals. He loved his Catalina neighbors. He loved to have fun and his laugh was contagious. His life was truly spectacular and we were so lucky to be loved by him.

Born April 24, 1951, he grew up in Topeka, KS. His beloved mother Molly and sisters Renee, Kay and Lexie helped to shape the man Don (or "Donnie" as they called him) would become. As a teenager, he could often be found hanging with his buddies and stirring up mischief. Their bond was strong and their stories have provided a lifetime of laughs and memories. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1969 and soon joined the Marine Corps. After two years of service during the Vietnam War, he returned home in 1971 and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Beach Hills. They were married for 51 years and were best friends until the moment he took his last breath.

Don began his lifelong career in the grain business at Topeka Mill and Elevator in 1974 and spent the next 30+ years of his career working for General Mills at the Kansas City Board of Trade. He served in a variety of roles at the KCBT and was elected Chairman of the Board in 1994. Over the course of his career, Big Don built a reputation for being reliable, honest, and fair and was respected by everyone he crossed paths with. He treasured the many friends he made along the way, especially his KCBT BBQ team buddies. Their careers brought them together, but their American Royal BBQ parties were legendary. Don retired from General Mills in 2006 and continued to stay involved in the industry for years to come.

Family man was one of his proudest titles and his kids Emily and Parker hit the jackpot being raised by the best. The role of his lifetime, though, was getting to be Grandpa to his five adoring grandkids- Maxwell, Henry, Carter, Johnny and Caroline. The whole family could be found gathered at the Hills' house every Sunday during football season cheering on the Chiefs. He happily attended more soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football games, plus golf tournaments, tennis matches, swim & dive meets, school programs, and band concerts than we could ever begin to count. He was simply the BEST Grandpa and little parts of him will live on in the five of them forever. Humor, wit, work ethic, stubbornness, loyalty, integrity, and the fact that there is nothing better than a freshly mowed lawn.

Don is survived by a tribe of people who loved him dearly- his devoted wife, Patricia Hills of Overland Park, his daughter Emily Hills Coughlin and her husband Andy of Overland Park, his son Parker Hills and his wife Melissa of Leawood, KS. Five grandchildren Maxwell, Henry, & Carter Coughlin, Johnny & Caroline Hills. His sisters and brothers in law Renee & Chris Edinger, Kay and Steve Goldstein, Lexie and Gary Grob. Nieces and nephews he adored. Countless friends that he loved like family. He was preceded in death by his parents Molly Irene Maxwell and Donald E. Hills Sr., niece Robyn Summers, nephews Taylor Grob and James Beach.

A service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Leawood Presbyterian Church, 2715 W 83rd St, Leawood, KS 66206. Reception to follow at the Brookridge Clubhouse 8223 W 103rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Midwest Transplant Network in Don's honor. mwtn.org/monetary-donation

Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 13, 2024.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/donald-hills-obituary?id=54076724