Robert L. Hileman

When the people who called Bob Hileman teacher, coach, counselor and friend, speak of him the first things they talk about is his honesty, high moral standards and hard work. Bob Hileman, 79, former athletic director of Plymouth High School, died, in the loving company of his family, at 2:15 a.m. Thursday morning at his home, 1401 Lake Avenue. He had been ill for a number of months. Jack Edison, head PHS basketball coach, worked for Hileman for twenty years. “ Bob had a total commitment to his family and his school,” Edison said. “A tireless worker, he took care of all the minute details. “Whatever respect Plymouth athletics have earned must be attributed to Bob Hileman’s leadership.” Bob was born in Michigan City, the son of Harve and Martha Peo Hileman, on April 2, 1922. The family moved to Plymouth when he was eight years old. He attended Washington Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1940, where he was an outstanding basketball player, scoring over 120 points in both his junior and senior years. He also played football, was class president and was involved in the school drama productions . Bob was at Butler University for two years. When World War II erupted, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, spending three and one-half years serving his country, a year of that on Saipan Island in the South Pacific. On his return from the service, he re-entered Butler and graduated in 1948, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He later earned a master’s degree from Indiana University and a Supervisor of Guidance certificate from Purdue University. Bob and Marian V. Furry were married at her home near Plymouth on June 6, 1947. His first teaching job was at Logansport’s Franklin Elementary School. He then moved to Argos High School where he was a teacher and coach for seven years. In 1957, he came back to Plymouth High School as a teacher and coach. He served as Athletic Director at Plymouth High School for 24 years, 1962 to 1986. Bob was instrumental in founding the Northern Lakes Conference and maintaining its current competitive status. During his tenure as AD, in addition to all of the girls’ sports, he was instrumental in adding swimming, wrestling, golf, tennis and soccer. He was an ardent supporter of Plymouth athletics and followed them faithfully. He loved all sports and was, in particular, a Chicago Cub fan. He enjoyed his grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. He liked to read and work various types of puzzles. Since the early 50s, the family has attended Trinity United Methodist Church. He served as a director in the Indiana High School Athletic Directors Association and was a member of the National Educational Association and the Indiana State Teacher’s Association. He was a former president of the Marshall County Coaches Association and was on the North Central Evaluating Committee. Civic-minded, Bob was a Summer Recreation Director, had assisted with Special Olympics programs, and A.A.U. swim events. He chaperoned at Boy Scout Camps and assisted in community sponsored athletic programs. Bill Nixon said that Bob Hileman had influenced his life in many ways. “ I remember him as a coach. I remember him as my boss when I was a coach. When I became Assistant Athletic Director, he taught me the ins and outs of being an A.D. Without his help,” Nixon continued, “ I would have been lost when I became A.D. “Most importantly, I remember how well he treated me and how patient he was with me. “He was truly a nice man.” Bob is survived by his loving wife, Marian, a son David L. Hileman and two daughters and their families, all of Plymouth. They are: Linda S. and Larry Mann and their son, Eric: Judy K. and Mike Delp and their children Erica, Michael and Adam. A daughter, Karen A. Erbse, died on January 3, 2001. Her two children are Andy and Betsy Erbse. In addition to Karen, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Krista Delp. Two brothers, Howard and Russell Hileman and a sister, Lois Coote have also died. Visiting with the family will be on Saturday, May 12, 2001, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, 2001, in the funeral home. The Rev. Maurice Grindle, pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial gifts may be given in Bob Hileman’s memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church or the Marshall County Hospice.