Edwin J. Hill

Edwin(Ed) J. Hill passed away August 16, 2025. He was 80 years old. He was born to Rev. Hurley and Olive Hill in Greenville, Ohio, June 9, 1945. Ed is survived by his sister, Shirley Milligan of Tucson, brother James(Jim) Hill and life partner Eva Ventura, of Radium Springs, NM, his nephew, Jeremy Milligan, wife Rebecca and their 2 children, Tobias and Piper, of Tucson. To Jeremy, Tobias and Piper, Ed was known as “Okie Ed.”

Ed loved his family. After moving to Tucson in 2022, he lived at Copper Canyon Memory Care. He always enjoyed visits with his sister and he especially enjoyed the time spent with his nephew and family. He and his fellow residents clapped and smiled when they saw Toby and Piper come cheerfully running through the doors. He also had the joy of reconnecting with cousin(s) from Ohio, Joyce Davis and her husband Fred, now residing in Casa Grande. We were amazed when Ed was the only one who remembered all the names from an old Hill family reunion photo we shared. Phone calls to his brother Jim were tender moments of reminiscence. For these brief moments the devastating effects of Alzheimers and dementia were hidden away.

Ed lived an interesting life as an adult, starting with his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1962. He served in Korea, Germany, Viet Nam and England. He also served in the Wyoming National Guard 1985-2000 and US Army Reserve 2000-2005. He retired in 2005 as MSG. The Vietnam Service and Campaign Metals and 3 Bronze Stars were among his decorations received. In one of his write-ups for meritorious service, it was written: “…he maintained a deep personal concern for the welfare of his men and earned their unwavering respect and confidence”, “he devoted every effort to the mission of the unit, exhibiting superb leadership and extraordinary knowledge”. In a letter of appreciation and commendation, it noted, “your performance has been outstanding and in some cases the results you have obtained have been incredible.” He was proud of our country and proud to be a part of our nation’s military.

Ed completed college at Pasadena Nazarene College in Point Loma, CA, and later completed his Master’s at University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Ed taught at Northeast Junior High School, Worland Junior High School, University of Wyoming, Midwest High School, Calhan Middle School and Sierra Vista High School. He also served as Assistant Professor of Adult Basic Education and Academic Coordinator for Student Support Services at Central Wyoming College.

Ed was a Christian and once wrote “My belief in Jesus Christ allowed me to believe in myself.”