Melvin Hilliard

Melvin Hilliard, 85, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Feb. 3, 2023.

He was born to the late Simon and Helen Hilliard (Carda) in Sioux City, Iowa, on April 30, 1937.

Melvin graduated from Iowa State, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as a rocket scientist for 40 years and retired in 1999. He was a board member, coach, manager and umpire for Little League Baseball for 10-plus years. Melvin also was also a part of the Conduct and Ethics Committee and was a director at Bridge House of Hot Springs. He was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Melvin was a world-renowned magician and loved to play fantasy football. He also enjoyed playing bridge, doing jigsaw puzzles and solving crossword puzzles. His favorite things to eat were chicken fried steak and Whitman Sampler candy. Melvin loved the winter time, especially Christmas. He loved to recite “The Night Before Christmas” for all the children and adults. Melvin had the brightest smile and will be missed dearly.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis Hilliard.

He is survived by his wife: Jane Ann Hilliard; children: Catherine Hilliard, David Hilliard (Patricia), Thomas Hooton, Stephen Hooton (Marge) and Jeffrey Hooton (Stephanie); sister, JoAnn Ross (Tom); grandchildren: Brittney Newell (Lucas), Nicholas Hooton (Alicia), Madelyn Hansen, Ella Hilliard, Melody Hilliard, Wyatt Hilliard, Charles Hooton; great-grandchildren: Elliott Newell, Melanie Hooton and Liam Hooton.

A rosary service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 9, 2023, with a visitation at 10:30 a.m. and Mass to follow.

Guests may register at http://www.GrossFuneralHome.com.