Mr. Robert Leon Hillyer, age 78, of Hart, MI, and formerly of Peoria and Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away Monday, September 1, 2014. He was born December 30, 1935, in Peoria, IL to Clarence and Jennie (Keeling) Hillyer. He served his country in the US Air Force before becoming a commercial pilot for American Airlines. In 1991 he married the former Carolyn J. Boren in Glen Ellyn, IL. Bob enjoyed woodworking and carved violins; he was a self-taught engineer and a photographer. He was just a curious human being who found life interesting and always wished to learn more on any topic. In addition to flying commercially, Bob owned his own plane. He did his first solo flight in the exact model and tail of the plane located at Oceana Veterans Memorial Park, where a military salute by the Hart VFW will be held in his honor.

Robert is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hillyer of Hart, MI; four sons, Bruce Jacob (Lisa Fields) Hillyer of Fairfield, CT, David Keith (Stacy) Hillyer of Wilmette, IL, Matthew David Johnston of Hart, MI, and Michael Vincent Johnston of WY; two grandchildren, Ryan Michael and Lauren Elizabeth Hillyer; and one sister, Shirley (Don) Molohon of Hanna City, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service for Mr. Hillyer will be Saturday, September 6, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hart with Father Phillip Sliwinski officiating. A military salute by the Hart VFW Post 1329 will be held at 12:00 noon at the Oceana Veterans Memorial Park in Hart. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Harbor Hospice, 1050 West Western Avenue Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49444 or to contributions for Memorial Tree to be planted in the garden of Cindy Ochs.