Robert L. Hillan

On February 15, 2023, the gates of Heaven opened for Robert “Bob” Hillan, 86, a remarkable man who enriched the lives of hundreds here on earth.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corp, Bob worked for over 43 years at Link Belt Bearing-Rexnord Corp, where he met his wife of over sixty years, Margaret Ann (Harmening) Hillan. While working and raising a family, he attended college at night and was on the Dean’s List.

For over 53 years Bob “Coach” Hillan volunteered countless hours coaching football, basketball, baseball, softball, and golf with the Catholic Youth Organization, Little League, and other organizations, and also served as an IHSAA referee of football and basketball. In 1979 he received the Saint John Bosco Medal. He was a talented athlete himself, and loved to play golf. Children will remember him as the man who carried suckers around in his pockets.

As a young man he converted to Catholicism. He lived and loved his faith and attending Mass. He also served as a Lector, Cantor, and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and was the proud Godfather of many.

A talented woodworker, Bob loved building beautiful furniture for his family, much crafted from cast-off wood.

Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, coach, and friend. In addition to his wife, Margaret Ann, he is survived by their children, Clare (Ray) Trumble, Beth Hillan-Bearsch, Dr. Sue (Tony) Langdon, Jeff (Cheryl) Hillan, Vince (Cheryle) Hillan, Nick (Jennifer) Hillan, Erin (Kevin) Skartvedt, Drue (Tom) Proffer, Megan (Jarrad) Amick, and Audra (Alex) Will.

He adored his grandchildren: Rayta (Chad), Conner (Laura), Francis (Courtney), Dani, Renner, Pilar, Rayce, Natalie, Krystin, McNally, Isaac, Ben, Jacob, Zach, Jackson (Sydney), Addison, Grant, Bryce, Luke, Maya, Hope, Noah, Elijah, Adair, Olivia, Spencer, Jake, Emily, Addyson, Axel, Cash, and Cora. Loving their Great-Papa were: Charlee, Reese, Rockne, Caroline, Hugh, Louise, and Lucy.

He will be especially missed by brothers Fred (Becky) and Greg (Jayne) Hillan, and best friend, brother-in-law, Bill Harmening. Preceding him in death were his mother, Mary McGowen, and siblings Barbara Reutherford and George McGowen.

Visitation will be held at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm and Monday, February 20 from 9:00 am-10:00 am with prayers at 10:00 am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10:30 am.  In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Officer David Moore Food Pantry or a good deed of your choice will be appreciated.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.