David L. Hillard

David L. Hillard, 69, of Spring Hollow Drive, New Holland, died at home on Thursday, August 14, 2014, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and Nancy. He shared 37 years of marriage with his wife Nancy L. (Hurst) Hillard.

Born in Ephrata, the son of Edwin P. and Vera (Sandoe) Hillard, he was a Class of 1963 graduate of Garden Spot High School.

David worked for Eagle Exterior in New Holland and then started David Hillard Home Improvements for the last 20 years.

He was a member of Bridgeville E. Church, and past president of Blue Ball Lions Club where he received Lion of the Year award.

David served in the U.S. Army Long Range Patrol 51st Infantry and was a paratrooper during the Vietnam war. He was a member of New Holland American Legion Post 662, New Holland V.F.W., and Ephrata Area Vietnam Veterans Assoc. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, particularly Dale Earnhardt and then Dale, Jr. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his son David E. married to Lorrie (Connor) Hillard, New Holland, and daughter Donna married to Scott Mathiot, Lancaster, three grandchildren Natalie Francis, David J.C. Hillard and Christopher Mathiot; and a great granddaughter Camie Francis, as well as his sister Barbara married to John Young, St. Petersburg, FL, and brothers Fred Berry, Narvon, and Tom married to Roberta Moore, San Diego, CA, and his dear friends Nicole Houck and Jen Burkholder.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Allen and Mike Busser.

The family is especially thankful to the nurses of 8 Lime Oncology Unit, Lancaster General Hospital, Dr. Ehmann from Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Sirendra and Annie Hale from the Lancaster Cancer Institute.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Bridgeville E.C. Church, 5971 Div. Hwy., Narvon, with Pastors David Dennis and Phil Walck, and Bishop Bruce Hill officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland, and on Tuesday from 9-10 am at the church. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.