One of the few WWII veterans left will be laid to rest this week. Jack Douglas Hillyer passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2011, in the DeBakey Unit at the Veterans Hospital in Houston, Texas at the age of 87. Jack was born January 9, 1924, in Sour Lake, Texas and spent his early years with his grandmother, Dana Hillyer Windstrop.

At his prime, he enlisted with the United States Navy in August 5, 1941, where he gave seventeen and a half years of service, and then additionally served in the Air Force until August 24, 1961. During his military career, he had the honor of touring on many ships such as the USS Enterprise and USS Hancock. He was well decorated throughout his career. One of his highest honors included the Presidential Unit Citation presented to him personally in Washington D.C. at the time of the unveiling of the Monument of Iwa Jima.

After serving his country Jack worked his way to become a Master Electrician. He also enjoyed hunting, carpentry, fishing, cooking, gardening, and going out to eat. His love for sports kept him tuned to his television for hours to support his Cowboys, Astros, and Rockets.

Jack's later years reflected a more humble, gentle man. He was a good friend to all and even better husband. He is survived by his wife, Mozelle Hillyer of twenty years. The two were married in Orange, Texas on February 12, 1992, and lived in Fannett, Texas. From his marriage with Mozelle, are three step-daughters, Sylvia Carlisle, Becky Person, and Angela Richardson, all from Fannett, Texas. Also surviving Jack are his two daughters, Jacqueline McCracken of Kentucky, and Pamela Mathis of Kentucky; and his son, William Douglas Hillyer of Ohio all from a prior marriage. Jack was blessed by fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Mary Kibodeaux of China and Diane Touchet of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Morris of Beaumont; father, James Leon Hillyer, Sr. of Beaumont; brothers, James Leon Hillyer and Billy J. Hillyer, and his sister; Louise Wilhoit

His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2011, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with interment to follow at China Cemetery, China.  A gathering of his family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Auxiliary 33, 1320 Pennsylvania Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Springs, Kentucky 41076.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and all his caregivers at the Veterans Hospital for their excellent and heartfelt care given to Jack.