Simon “Sy” Hileman, 93, Ulysses, died Monday, September 25, at Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses.
He was born May 24, 1930, in rural Grant County, Kansas, the son of Simon S. and Beulah May (Blakesley) Hileman.
When Sy was eight days old, his mother passed away and he was raised by his grandparents, Al and Dora Blakesley.
Sy grew up in Grant County. He began his schooling in a one-room country school, Pleasant Prairie, and graduated from Moscow High School. He participated in basketball, baseball, and track.
Sy married Lois Rose March 27, 1948, in Clayton, NM.
He began wiring houses in 1948 for Richardson Electric in Hugoton before going to work as a lineman for Pioneer Electric. He worked for them for 50 years before retiring as a Superintendent of the Lineman Crew. Sy enjoyed his time at Pioneer Electric and made many lifelong friends.
He served as a fireman for the Grant County Fire Department for 44 years, Ulysses City Council for 20 years and served as Mayor of Ulysses for four years.
He was a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge and the First Baptist Church in Ulysses.
Sy is survived by his daughter, Debbie and husband, Marty Long, Ulysses; son, Greg Hileman, Ulysses; daughter-in-law, Carmen Hileman, New Braunfels, Texas; grandchildren:, BJ, Cody, Shannon, Sonja, Tanner, Kiley, and Darcy; great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Raelynn, Breña, Simon, Love, Rankin, Sydney, Shelby, Kody, Kole, Quinn, Wyatt, Nick and Morgan; and great-great-grandchildren: Felicity and Micah.
Sy is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; son, Larry Hileman; granddaughter, Robin Robinson; father and stepmother, Simon and Leona Hileman; mother, Beulah Blakesley Hileman; grandparents, Al and Dora Blakesley; half-brother, Wayne Hileman; and half-sister, Beulah Hileman.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., Friday, September 29, with family present at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
Funeral service were at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 30, at the First Baptist Church in Ulysse, with Pastor Steve Swann, Jr. officiating.
Interment followed at the Moscow Cemetery in Moscow.
Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
