Gary Joseph Hillebrand

April 3, 1951 - March 26, 2016

Gary Joseph Hillebrand, 64, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his wife and two children on March 26, 2016. Born on April 3, 1951 in Mexico, Missouri, Gary was the son of Henry (“Pete”) and Viola (“Vicki”) Hillebrand. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Ill. and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Truman State University (formally Northeast Missouri State University) in Kirksville, Missouri in l973. Gary’s life journey took him through various jobs such as tinting paint for the Rust-Oleum Paint Corporation in Skokie, Ill., catering work at Truman University, a real estate agent with Century 21 and substitute teacher for secondary schools in Kirksville, Mo., co-owner of four business franchises within Diet Center, Inc., work in New Beginnings at the old Laughlin Hospital in Kirksville and work in Anger Management. However, the bulk of his career, and his true passion for 26 years, was working for Preferred Family Healthcare in Kirksville, Missouri as an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist. Within his title he also taught communities in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention. His interests included the arts; music, movies, art history, books and poetry. He also enjoyed gardening and every minute he had with his family. Gary leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and proud wife of 44 years, Nancy, son Brian, daughter and son-in law, Jenifer and Shawn Darling and his grandchildren, Anna and Nathan, who meant the world to him and he was so very proud of. His family would like to express their deep gratitude to Mike Schwend, President, and his entire Executive Leadership Team at Preferred Family Healthcare in Kirksville, Missouri for their ongoing emotional and financial support during Gary and Nancy’s most trying time of need. Their concern and love for Gary will never be forgotten. A visitation and celebration of his life will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N. 291 Highway in Liberty, Mo. 64068 from 10a-Noon on April 2, 2016 (a day before his birthday). Gary has always had a deep thirst for knowledge and loved to share it with his grandchildren. He felt that a child’s higher education is imperative for them in order to live out their hopes and dreams. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, Gary’s only wish was that contributions be made to Anna and Nathan’s 529 College Funds that have been started in their names. Checks may be made out to his wife and sent to their home at: 8012 N. Cosby Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64151.