Lee David Hillegass, 93, of Martinsburg died Thursday at Carroll Lutheran Village, Westminster, Md., after a brief illness.
He was born in New Buena Vista, Bedford County, son of the late Harry C. and Emma V. (Fair) Hillegass. He was twice married; first to Dorothy Belle Myers on July 26, 1943. She died in 1958. He then married Dorothy Lee Dick on March 25, 1960, in Winchester, Va. She died on Dec. 14, 2001.
Surviving are three sons: David M. of Roaring Spring, and Ronald H. and Galen E., both of Martinsburg; two daughters: M. Elaine Dick of Roaring Spring and Aimee A. Schultz of Westminster, Md.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Robert L., on May 3, 1975; two brothers: Blaine C. and Stanley G.; and a sister, Mabel Wertz.
Mr. Hillegass was an honorably discharged Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 29th Division, 197th Infantry. He was stationed in Washington, D.C., on special duty guarding the White House, Pentagon, and the president of the United States, as well as other dignitaries.
Following the war, he returned to farming in Buffalo Mills, Bedford County. In 1956, he moved to Martinsburg and began working for Sun Oil Co. as a service station proprietor. He owned and operated several service stations, including Lee's Sunoco on what was the corner of Fourth Street and Chestnut Avenue in Altoona, until road construction forced the closing of that location. He then operated Lee's Sunoco in Duncansville until his retirement in 1983.
Lee was a former member of the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Mills and then in Martinsburg for more than 50 years. Upon the closing of the Martinsburg church, he joined St. John's United Church of Christ, Martinsburg.
He was active in the Roaring Spring Lions Club for more than 25 years, and was presented with the Melvin Jones award, the highest recognition a Lion can receive. He was also a life member of Bedford County Grange, and a member of Duncansville VFW Post, and Altoona VFW Post No. 3.
Lee loved baseball and attended Altoona Curve games regularly. He also enjoyed attending auctions and spending time with his family.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2012, at John C. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at St. John's United Church of Christ, with Pastor Mary J. Hendricks officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Schellsburg Cemetery, Bedford County.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Roaring Spring Lions Club or St. John's United Church of Christ memorial fund.
