Donald "Don" Lee Hill

Donald “Don” Lee Hill, age 94, of Seymour, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Lutheran Community Home, Seymour, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Hill was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Seymour. Don graduated from Fort Branch High School in 1949, earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana State College in 1959, and went on to receive his MA degree from Indiana State University in 1961. Don proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, including a year of service in Korea. From 1955 to 1958, he continued his commitment to his country in the Air Force Reserves. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to Seymour Community Schools, where he worked from 1958 until his retirement in 1991. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to both military service and education, Don was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, American Legion Post #89, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1925. His military service was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. In 1998, Don was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, by Governor Frank O’Bannon. He also received the Seymour Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in 2004. In recognition of his lasting impact on the community, Mayor Craig Luedeman proclaimed May 30, 2014, as “Don Hill Day.” Additionally, Don was a holder of the Epsilon Pi Tau Key and a proud member of the International Honor Society for Professions in Technology. He was honored to serve as a torchbearer for Indiana’s Bicentennial celebration in 2016, and he was appointed District Deputy for Elks Lodges by the Grand Exalted Ruler, the national president of the organization. Don pursued a variety of special interests throughout his life. For over two decades, he shared his passion for Indiana’s literary heritage by performing the stories and poems of James Whitcomb Riley across the state. As a dedicated volunteer, he served as Associate Director of the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts and later continued his involvement as Director Emeritus. His creative talents also led him to design and establish the Conner Museum of Antique Printing at the Art Center, which later became part of the Seymour Museum Center. In addition, Don was an accomplished writer. He authored two books—Ramblin’s & Recollections and I Remember My Firsts—which captured his reflections and personal stories. He also contributed regularly to The Tribune, where his monthly guest column offered readers thoughtful insights and meaningful experiences from his life. Family was very important to Donald. He cherished his loved ones with all his heart, and in return, he was deeply loved by them. Born on January 23, 1931, in Fort Branch, Donald was the son of Russell and Dora (Warren) Hill, both of whom preceded him in death. On August 5, 1962, he married Mary E. Parsley, and she survives in Seymour. Survivors also include two children: Leslie Hill of Seymour, and Suzi (Shane) Fallis of Seymour; two grandchildren: Shelby (Libby) Schuld, and Sadie (Paul) Fallis Hitchcock; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and neighbors. Donald was also preceded in death by one brother, David Hill; and one niece, Chris Ann Keegan. Funeral services for Donald “Don” Lee Hill will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Steve Cherry officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Military honors will be presented immediately following the service by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7. A private family graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery, Seymour. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or Wreaths Across America. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com.

Donald "Don" Lee Hill

January 23, 1931 - May 16, 2025