The Life of EDWIN RAY HILLYARD
Edwin, at the age of 90, entered into eternal rest on October 23, 2009. He was born on August 20, 1919 in Bethany, Missouri. His parents were Paul Hillyard and Mary Maize. He graduated from Ridgeway High School and then went to work for the CCC, constructing roads and parks. He has a sister Lucille Gay Henderson of Louisbert, Kansas. Ed then met Vivian Lorraine Bolich Grimes and they were married August 7, 1943. Vivian had 2 children and to this union William Ray Hillyard was born August 8, 1944. They lived in Des Moines on 34th Street for 41 years.
Ed was employed by Solar Aircraft Company for several years (where Tech High School took over and Central Academy now exists). He then worked for several years at the new plant on Fleur. After Solar consolidated its businesses in San Diego, Ed worked many years at many places as an able mechanic including Sears on Merle Hay. Then he became a Board of Education member working at several schools, and while at North High, he received his Fireman's Certificate. He then worked at several elementary schools, including Cattel and Hillis until his retirement in 1984.
Vivian died on April 30, 1991, and Ed remained in the house until 2002 when he joined the Mercy Park Apartments. He has resided there until his death.
During all of this time he was an avid card player (pitch and bridge) and enjoyed games several times each week with relatives and friends. He loved to fish and hunt (in his younger years) and tinker with cars and engines. Ed and Vivian spent 7 wonderful years together at Lake Panorama. His passions were working with the Des Moines Auxiliary Police and working with the fundraising of the March of Dimes. Also he was proud of being a member of 50 years with the Pioneer Masonic Lodge #22.
He was preceded in death by his parents and Vivian's parents Ollie May and Roy Bolich. He leaves behind his sister Lucille Henderson, her 3 children and families. Also his son Ronald Lee Grimes and Char; daughter Sue Carolyn Grimes Freerksen and Kenny, all of Des Moines; and son William Ray Hillyard of Panora; 6 grandchildren: Howard Freerksen, Laura (Jay) Freerksen Stalzer, Tim Grimes, Jim (Deb) Grimes, Barbara Grimes Argenta, and Chuck Grimes; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.
Visitation will be October 26 from 5-7pm; services will be at 11 am on October 27. Both events at Westover Funeral Home at 6337 Hickman Rd, with Interment at Highland Memorial Gardens, Masonic section, 1 NE 60th. Memorials may be sent to Panora Rehab and Nursing in Panora, Iowa.