Tab W. Hillier

Fairview – Tab W. Hillier, 62, of Fairview, IL, left his earthly home to enter Heaven’s gate on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 at 2:00 AM.
Tab was born in Galesburg, IL on June 30th, 1954, the son of the late William Sr. and Marianne (Kremer) Hillier. He married Leslie Dunn on February 15th, 1995.
Loved ones to cherish special memories of Tab include his wife; his mother of Galesburg, IL; his father and mother-in-law, Russell and Pamela Dunn of London Mills, IL; his five sons Michael and Kristopher Hillier of Galesburg, IL, Bryan Norris, Mason and Elijah Hillier of Fairview, IL; his five daughters, Tabitha (Eric) Sundberg, Tara, Trisha, Torrie Hillier, and Shayley Norris, all of Galesburg, IL; two brothers, Tom (Charlene) Hillier of Knoxville, IL, William Jr. (Tish) Hillier of Oneida, IL; two sisters, Anne (Tim) Dowers, and Vicki (Lindsey) May, all of Galesburg, IL; two sisters-in-laws, Deborah Stewart of London Mills and Ruth Dunn of Hopkinsville, KY; 17 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Last but not least his faithful bulldogs Budder and Peanut.
Tab grew up in Galesburg, IL and was a member of the Class of 1972. He worked construction and was a member of Laborers Local 538. Two of his major contributions while working construction were the building of the Galesburg Sandburg Mall and the Henry Hill Correctional Center of Galesburg. In 1987 he attended and graduated from the IL Dept. of Corrections as a Correctional Officer. He first worked at Henry Hill CC then later transferred to IL River CC in Canton, IL, where he retired in 2011 after 23 years’ total service from IDOC.
Tab loved to play sports while growing up, his favorite of which was football. He enjoyed being outdoors, taking trips, play slots at the casino in Bettendorf, playing poker, singing karaoke, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and children. Tab’s father in law always remarked how he has never seen anyone who could hit a golfball as hard and far as Tab and it was amazing to watch.
Tab loved watching sports as well. Among his favorite teams were the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks. He was not a White Sox fan though. One of Tab’s most favorite memories occurred on November 2nd, 2016 when his beloved Chicago Cubs won the World Series.
Tab was a quiet, gentle, man with a great sense of humor and wonderful laugh. He loved to play pranks and could always be counted on to be the life of the party.
Services will be at 12 PM noon on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL, where a visitation will be held from 10-12 PM. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Judes Childrens Hospital, the latter on behalf of Nolan Fennell. Nolan’s mother Kelly was one of Tab’s hospice nurses and he was so appreciative of everything she did to help Tab in his battle with cancer. Tab admired that she was there for him even while her own son battled and continues to battle cancer. Per Tab’s wishes please wear sports attire for the services, he did say he will still like you even if you’re a Cardinal’s Fan. To view Tab’s DVD or to make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com