William Dean “Bill” Hill, 94, of Patoka, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Salem Township Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Patoka on April 21, 1931, the son of Oscar and Rita (Schaffnit) Hill. On April 15, 1956, he married the love of his life, Lois Britt, in Patoka, where they resided and raised their family.
Along with his beloved wife of almost seventy years, Lois Hill, survivors include his children, Lynn (Blake) Hyde of Patoka, Cheryl (Steven) Quick of Shattuc and Craig (Kim) Hill of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Laurie (Levi) Ward, Chase (Kenda) Hyde, Blaine (Erica) Hyde, Shelby (Joey) Eddy, Melissa Hill and Max Hill; great-grandchildren, Bryton, Thatcher, Hunter, Nolan, Grant, Peyton, Henley, Brett and Harbor; sister, Mildred Gray of Shelbyville; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Rita Hill; his brothers, Halden and Max Hill.
Mr. Hill was a United States Army veteran, serving his country with honor and pride in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of the Patoka American Legion Post #543 and a past executive board member. Bill was a man of strong faith and attended the Patoka United Methodist Church and the Patoka Christian Church, where he shared his Lord’s perfect love, alongside his wife Lois. He provided for his family by working at Lear Siegler in Centralia as a fabricator, as a parts manager at Lange Equipment in Patoka, and as a bank courier after his retirement.
Bill was extremely talented in many things. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop making showroom-worthy projects. He painted portraits and landscapes on canvas and was a founding member of the Centralia Palette and Brush Club (now known as the Centralia Cultural Society). He loved being outside mowing his yard and working in his large garden. He religiously kept his cars clean. Over the years, he barely missed a school or sporting event that his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were involved in. He was their biggest fan!
Bill had an easy, welcoming way with everyone, putting all at ease with his quick wit. Bill was gentle, kind and well respected. Bill’s life was a wonderful example and inspiration to his family.
Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17th at the Patoka United Methodist Church. A second visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the start of the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th, at the Patoka United Methodist Church.
Interment will follow at Patoka Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Patoka American Legion Post #543.
Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Patoka Fire and Ambulance, Patoka United Methodist Church, Patoka Christian Church or the Patoka American Legion. Condolences and memories of Bill may be shared by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
