John Stephen Hillman

Retired Capt. John Stephen Hillman passed away in his sleep on January 6, 2014 at 2:55 AM in Fayetteville, AR after a valiantly fought battle with cancer. He lived on this earth for 67 years, 6 months and 6 days. John was the only son of Col John L. Hillman and Geneva Francis (Betts) Hillman born on June 30, 1946 in Okmulgee, OK. John attended school in Okmulgee and was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his two daughters: Heather Hillman-Easley and husband Lt Col John C. Easley of Siloam Springs, Arkansas and Stephanie Jamison and husband Trey of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren: Charles Ray Easley and wife Trish of Middleton, Wisconsin, John William Greenberry Easley and Mollie Marina Michaelle Easley both of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; his first cousin Pamela Acton who is known to the family as “Aunt Puddle”, and a countless number of other cousins. John was a multifaceted man but he could first and foremost be defined by his love of country and his level of patriotism which he inherited from “The Colonel”. John followed in his father’s footsteps as an infantryman enlisting into the Army National Guard, 45th Division on July 1, 1963. He later was commissioned to 2nd Lt. on September 22, 1965. The beginning of the Vietnam War compelled John to join the US Army and become a pilot. He entered Vietnam on April 27, 1969 as an O1-L19 Birddog Pilot, being stationed in Phu Bai. This is where he became a man among men and found the brotherhood he would spend the rest of his life trying to recreate but never imitate. As a member of the 220th Catkillers Unit, John, AKA Indian John, has been described by those who served with him as “fearless warrior, loved by everyone, Brother, larger than life, loyal to everyone.” While in country, he earned 3 Distinguished Flying Cross medals and 1 Bronze Star with Valor among countless other ribbons. His second tour was cut short due to the drawdown and so he found himself leaving Phu Bai on November 24, 1970. He was stationed at Ft. Rucker until his honorable discharge on September 3, 1973. John continued the education he had started prior to his enlistment, enrolling at Embry Riddle University, later graduating with a BS in Aeronautics with a minor in Management. John began a multi-decade career as a Personnel Director first for GTE then for Creek Nation. This took him from San Angelo, TX to Texarkana, AR and back to his home town of Okmulgee, OK. After John retired, he decided to pursue a second full time career as a poker player. He was well known around the tables as “Two Dogs” and was always greeted by fellow players with a smile as they wondered in the back of their minds if he would walk away with their chips, and he often did. John’s personal passions included hunting, fishing, listening to blues music, dancing and cooking: above all cooking. He was considered by most as an accomplished chef without any formal training and many looked forward to a meal they knew John had a hand in cooking. John found comrade in the Masonic Fraternity and was a member and Past Master of the Okmulgee Masonic Lodge 199. He was also Worthy Noble and Past Assistant Potentate of the Bedouin Shiners and other Orders of the Shrine. He is a master of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. The friendships created during his time spent with these organizations were invaluable and could never be replaced. John’s greatest achievements were his 2 daughters and no one could be prouder of them for their personal growth and accomplishments. He will be missed by all. A graveside memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at the Okmulgee Cemetery on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Dan Sulivant officiating. There will be Masonic Rites. The military honors will be done by Creek Nation Color Guard. The family request memorial contributions be made to the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center c/o Palliative Care Unit, 1011 Honor Heights Dr. Muskogee, OK 74401.

John Stephen Hillman

June 30, 1946 - January 6, 2014