David W. Hill

Photo of David W. Hill

David W. Hill

2/23/2019


     David W. Hill, 84, formerly of Lancaster, PA passed away on February 23, 2019, six years to the day of his wife Elaine’s death. He was a resident of Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA.

     Born on a farm in the hamlet of Home, PA, he was the youngest of seven children born to David Rowland and Hannah Dovie Hill. He was a surprise birth to his older siblings as they did not know their mother was expecting. David was premature and weighed only 3 pounds, so his doctor and parents were not sure he would survive. In order to keep him warm, his family placed him in an egg incubator; however, they failed to turn on the oxygen inside and David turned blue. Miraculously, David did not suffer any permanent health challenges.

     David graduated from Marion Center Joint High School in 1953. It was there that he met his future wife Elaine after she asked him to be her date for the school band picnic. 

     David served in the Army in Korea after the war. Upon returning, he sold one of his prized pigs for $50.00 in order to buy Elaine's engagement ring. They were married in 1957 in Plumville, PA and celebrated their 56th anniversary before Elaine’s death. 

     David was employed as a salesman and district manager with the former farm machinery company Sperry New Holland, retiring in 1991 with 30 years of service. His knowledge of farming and planting served him well and made him more credible to the farmers to whom he sold machinery. After retiring, he could be found working in his yard. Once, a twelve-foot tomato plant of his merited an article and photo in the Lancaster New Era newspaper. It featured him standing on a ladder next to the impressive plant.

     David was a strict but loving father to his three daughters. He could pack the trunk of a car with amazing accuracy and with spatial talents that ensured every suitcase fit perfectly. His sense of direction was uncanny. On family trips he seemed to know every small back road in the state of Pennsylvania. He was always concerned about his daughters’ safety and regularly quizzed them as to “when is the last time you checked the oil in your car?”. He loved to feed the birds in his backyard and could name and identify many species with his eyes closed simply by listening to them. He instilled the value of hard work and to always “do the right thing” even when it was not convenient nor preferred.

     David was a member of the Bareville-Leola-Leacock Lions Club from 1980 until his death. He served in many positions including “Tail Twister” and President. He received both the Melvin Jones and the Ralph Taylor awards for his service and was instrumental in collecting thousands of eye glasses to help those with vision challenges. 

     David was a member of Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers in Lancaster for almost fifty years. He previously held the position of President of the Consistory along with serving as a deacon, elder, usher and various other positions. He spent many afternoons mowing the cemetery at Hellers, something he was quite passionate about.

     He is survived by his three daughters Sharon Hill (Michael Chorazy) of Wallingford, PA; Lisa Hill of Millersville, PA; and Lori Hill (John Robinette) of Takoma Park, MD; two grandchildren Alex Weidman and Amanda Weidman; two step-grandchildren, Adam Robinette and Bryan Robinette; and one sister, Vida Holt of Middleburg, PA. Along with his wife he was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother.

     A viewing will be held at Furman Funeral Home, 59 West Main Street, Leola, PA on Friday, March 1, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, March 2, 2019, a viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, PA. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held in the adjoining cemetery immediately following the funeral service. A light luncheon will follow in the church's social hall.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster PA 17601.



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