Gerald L. “Jerry” Hill, 78, died Dec. 15, 2016, in Hutchinson. He was born Feb. 18, 1938, in Emporia, to Ernie and Mildred (Smith) Hill.
Jerry had an ideal childhood in Virgil, Kansas, on the banks of the Verdigris River. At the age of 12, his family moved to Halstead. He graduated from Halstead High School in 1956 and Rockhurst College in 1960.
He was in the food brokerage business for 42 years, owning Galloway Sales in Wichita and Hill Sales, Inc. with Judy. At the age of 61, Jerry won a Harley motorcycle that opened up a whole new world for both of them; many opportunities for adventures, new friends, and road trips through Mexico and across the country. After retirement, he enjoyed smoking meats for family, friends, and charity events.
On Nov. 17, 1962, he married his best friend, Judith Ann Griffith, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Halstead. Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, Judy; children, Carol Whitney (Dan) of Olathe, Greg Hill (Karen) of Lawrence, Amy Taylor (Tom) of Shawnee; grandchildren, Erin Knoelke (Pat), Josh Hill, Jake Taylor, Zach Hill, Jack Whitney, Nick Taylor, Alex Hill, Luke Taylor, Sarah Whitney, Madeline Hill, Ben Hill, Joe Taylor; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Knoelke and Henry Knoelke; and siblings, Denis Hill, Don Hill, Mike Hill, Mary Montgomery, Kathleen Callahan and Rita Keating. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ann Hill Pepper and Ray Hill.
He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, belonged to Prairie Pups and A.B.A.T.E. Motorcycle Club, Faith and Light, Prairie Dunes Country Club, Salvation Army board of directors, LADS golf group, Halstead Learning Center for Health, and Cancer Council of Reno County. He passionately volunteered for his causes and was the Reno County Toys for Tots coordinator since 2003.
Jerry welcomed everyone into his home. In that spirit, family and friends are invited to a casual get-together from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Jerry and Judy’s. Please stop by and share stories and memories of Jerry’s life.
Parish rosary will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson, with Father Ned Blick, Father Roger Lumbre, Father John Maes and Father John Schmeidler officiating. Burial will follow in Halstead Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to Reno County Toys for Tots, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Jerry really saw people and made all feel loved and important. No one in need went unnoticed with his knowledge.
