John A Hilliard

John Anson Hilliard 1916-2011 John (Jack) Hilliard, a lifelong Ottawa resident, died Monday March 28, 2011 at the age of 94. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Louise (Allen) Hilliard. He is survived by his daughter Atha Hilliard and son John (Marilyn) Hilliard. He also is survived by three grandchildren, Michael, Maggie and Kathryn Hilliard. Jack was born December 14, 1916 to Hubert J. and Elizabeth (Gibbons) Hilliard ( his father was the former mayor of Ottawa, from 1926-1935). He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Hilliard Brundage and Betty Hilliard and brothers Hubert Hilliard, Robert Hilliard and John Hilliard infancy. One of Jack's most memorable contributions to the city of Ottawa was the Silver Fross Drive-In (RBS), which served as a meeting place for teenagers and adults alike from 1958 to 1970. After the drive-in business came to an end, Jack and his son John turned an old Barn north of Ottawa into a restaurant called Maple Hill, now known as Hanks. In his later years, Jack became a local historian and wrote several articles and two books about the Ottawa area. "The Illinois and Michigan Canal at Ottawa Illinois" and "Old Ottawa: 1850s - 1930s" can be found at Reddick Library. Funeral Services will at 9: 00 AM Friday April 1, 2011 at the Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Lisa Hadler officiating. Visitation from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Ottawa Funeral Home. In lieu of Flowers, please send donations to The LaSalle County Genealogical Guild at 115 W. Glover St., Ottawa, IL 61350, or Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL 61350.