Charles Edward Hill
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Charles Hill was born October 5, 1934, in Baldwin City to Earl Hill and Ellen Tyson Hill. He was raised in Baldwin City by his grandparents Thomas and Tessie Hill and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1952. After graduation, he attended Baker University where he earned a teaching degree in 1956. Later he would get his Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas in 1960. Charles was a lifelong member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and often joked that he received his degree from Baker, but his education from the Delt house.
While at Baker, Charles met his future wife, Mary Ann Ireland. In Case Hall, a professor sat students alphabetically and the two were seated next to one another. Charles and Mary Ann married in 1955 in Yates Center, KS and shared 66 happy years of marriage. Theirs was a marriage of true love, kindness, and deep respect. Charles showed kindness to all he knew, but especially to his devoted wife, Mary Ann. They traveled extensively and were fortunate to spend a lot of time with their family.
After graduation from Baker, Charles taught one semester at Gardner Elementary school before moving to teach at Pomona. He later served as Principal in Lane, Principal in Pomona, and Vice-Principal at Garden City High School. In 1968 Charles moved to Eudora where he served as Superintendent of the Eudora school district for 10 years. His final stop was as Superintendent of the West Elk school district, where he served 13 years before retiring in 1991.
Charles and Mary Ann moved to Lawrence in 1993. He was appointed State Chair for Retirement Planning for the Kansas Retired Teachers Association. He was an Area Representative for the Salvation Army supervising volunteers. He spent 31 days on flood duty during the flood of ’93. Charles was actively involved in numerous civic organizations and their church. He was always willing to help others with their difficulties or challenges and never spoke unkindly about anyone.
They moved to the Pioneer Ridge Independent Living facility in 2017 where Charles quickly became a leader for fun and entertainment. Charles enjoyed men’s coffee on Thursdays and joked he only liked to participate in activities that started with “P”: poker, puzzles, pitch, and pool! Even in his battle with cancer, he was optimistic every single day.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; five aunts who he was raised with as sisters, including Glea Metty, Etna Atkinson, Elma Supancic, Lenore Mitchell, and Hazel Malfatti; and three half-siblings Michael Rhine, David Rhine, and Georgia Lee Anderson.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann of Lawrence, children Gary (Gail) Hill of Lawrence, David (Pam) Hill of Baldwin City, and Janet (Steve) Wozniak of Los Gatos, CA; his half-brother Adam Young of Independence, MO; his grandchildren Jeff Hill, Jessica Johnson, Amanda Jones, Julie Dean, Ashli Hill and Jake Hill, as well as great granddaughters Emery and Olivia Johnson, and Abigail Jones. Having been raised by his grandparents, his role as a grandfather was very important to him. Even in his last months while fighting cancer he could be found on the floor playing with his great granddaughters. Those lucky enough to be family or friends felt his love and kindness.
There will be a visitation for Charles from 4 – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary a funeral Monday at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Lawrence at 10 am, followed by a burial service at the Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made out to the Baldwin Education Foundation for their scholarship fund benefitting Baldwin High School graduates going on to Baker University. Donations can be mailed to the Baldwin Education Foundation, P.O. Box 67, Baldwin City, KS 66006.
We loved Charles. He was the most positive individual we’ve been around. He did love his puzzles. Also loved to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
He will truly be missed . I know he’ll be in a place to continue his love for people.
Steve and Pat
Dave we were privileged to get to know your dad at the church fish fries and it was always a treat to speak with him. We know how much he will be missed by your whole family but his light certainly shines through the wonderful son he raised in you Dave. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him may he rest in peace amen.
Such a great man, and a super family. He was an inspiration to all that knew him. I am proud to say that he was our friend. Rest in peace.
A Eudora legacy from a wonderful man.
He was a careful steward of Eudora’s taxpayer money in his approach with the school system.
Taught my Mom how to back up a school bus and enjoyed riding the routes with the kids.
Mary Ann, David, Gary, Janet, and Families, So sorry to hear about Charles, He was a very good person and helped everyone. He is pain free and in the Lords arms now. We will see him again!! May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Rex Tedrow
I am so sorry to head of Charles passing. He has been a friend for a long, long time. Coffee will never be the same without Charles. Charles always had a good story and a great sense of humor. I will remember his love for his wife and family above all other things and the pride he had for his families accomplishments. He was all Class. He will be missed by all who had a chance to know him.
I only met Charles several times, but I was very impressed with him and he was obviously a very kind, nice, intelligent, wonderful, and fun man. My Dad, Tom Hedrick, was very good friends with Charles and he thought the world of him. Daddy mentioned Charles often, and talked about their close friendship over the years. I know that Daddy will greatly miss Charles. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ann and his entire family during this very difficult time.
Dear Mary Ann and Family,
We are so sad to hear of the news of Charles passing. He was such a kind and wonderful man. Always willing to help wherever needed and such a sweet loving grandpa figure to our precious daughter growing up right next door. We will never forget you coming to watch her play volleyball and taking her to band concerts in the park. It meant the world to us. We have missed the both of you dearly since you have moved and now to hear about this just saddens our hearts immensely. We will pray for all of you for peace and comfort.
With Love,
Darren, Pam and Ashley Powers
Janet- so sorry to hear this and you are in my thoughts. I’m out of state and will not be able to attend the service but will be thinking of you and your family.
Jim and I did not know Charles Hill well. But we know his daughter Janet well. She represents her father in so many positive ways: integrity, common sense, humility, generosity, intelligence, persistence, high expectations. Charles will live on because of his children and all of the educators he influenced. We send our respect and admiration for his life to all of his family.
Hill families so sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our prayers. The Breithaupt families. Delbert, Lois, Ann and Delbert Jr.
Mary Ann, Gary, David, Janet and Families:
So sorry to hear of Charles passing. Charles was always “Mr. Hill” to me with respect, a true friend, offering encouragement and support to me while I was in Eudora Schools and at Baker U. I always appreciated his comments during our conversations. Hold on to the memories, like the summer concrete lawn ornament business. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mrs. Hill, Janet, Gary, David and families:
So sorry to hear of Mr. Hill’s passing.
I have wonderful memories of him, he always went above and beyond for his family and the Eudora community.
May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared with him.
Hill Family,
Dale & I send our sincere condolences to all of you. We both have many great memories of your dad and are keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers. What a great man & legacy he leaves in all of you.
In sympathy, Dale & Susan Carnagie
charles obit