Obituary of Keith T. Hilliker
Age 90, of Mt. Morris, died Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan. The funeral celebrating Keith’s life will take place 11:00 am Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Morris with burial to follow in Mt. Morris Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris on Wednesday from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm. On Wednesday evening, a Masonic Memorial Service will take place at 7:30 pm, conducted under the auspices of the Mt. Morris Masonic Lodge #535, F. & A. M. On Thursday morning, Mr. Hilliker will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Masonic Pathways or the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Morris. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.
Keith was born on August 26, 1927, in Mt. Morris, the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Albert and Fern Marina (Thurston) Hilliker. He and Naomi Goehring were united in marriage on August 16, 1947, in Charleston, South Carolina. Sadly, she preceded him in death on December 29, 2003. Keith was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Navy as a First-Class Fireman and was a member of the American Legion Post #150. Keith’s career path would see him become an insurance salesman. He retired with over 41 years of service and as Vice President of McKinnon & Mooney Agency. During his career, he had served as the past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Genesee County in 1979-1980 and was their Man of the Year in 1980. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Morris serving on many committees. Keith was a very devoted and life-long member of the Mt. Morris Masonic Lodge #535 F. & A.M and the Eastern Star., joining in 1953 and serving them in numerous capacities. He was Worshipful Master in 1961, Mason of the Year in 1991, Past Associate Guardian of Mt. Morris and Clio’s Bethels, a member of the Bay City Consistory, a 32nd Degree Mason, the Job’s Daughters, Past Associate Grand Guardian of the Michigan Job’s Daughters, Past Dad Advisor of Clio Chapter of DeMolay and Past President of the Mt. Morris Masonic Building Association. Keith also served the City of Mt. Morris as a fireman with the Mt. Morris Fire Department, retiring after 30 years of service and as Assistant Chief as well as a Mt. Morris City Alderman for four and a half years. Keith was also the Past President of the Vehicle City Hi-Twelve Club and the East Branch Sportsman Club and he and his wife, Naomi, were field directors for the National Campers and Hikers Association. During his retirement, Keith worked as a driver for Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time up north and being with his family. He will truly be missed.
Surviving are his four children: Kevin and wife Laurel Hilliker of Okemos, Mark and wife Rebecca of Flushing, Connie and husband Thomas Corcoran of Florida and Marsha and husband Tim Steuck of Minnesota, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, sister, Zelpha Vincent Volz and many cousins and friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.