Former VFW commander passes away

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

Well-known and loved Ville Platte native and resident Hillery Hill passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 87 and was finally reunited with his true love and soul mate, Jeanette. Many knew Hill as their mailman. He delivered mail to a quarter of the people in Ville Platte for 30 years, even carrying suckers in his pocket to give to the youngsters who waited for him on his route.
He was a proud Korean Veteran, who served as a code interceptor with a Krypto Clearance, of which he was very proud. Following his service, Hill continued helping his country by becoming a member of the local VFW Post #3803. He held the position of quarter master of the post for almost 40 years and also served as District Commander.
Hill was instrumental in getting the ARC Respite center built and established so that the mentality challenged could have a place to go in a time of need, or to simply go for some peace and quiet, and to give family members a short break.
Hill was also an LHSAA umpire for softball for many years, umpiring with his daughter in the high school state softball tournament in 1996. His love of sports inspired him to start the 13-15 year old age group league for G.I.R.L.S. softball. In 1982, the all-star team from that league won the state championship.
Throughout his life Hill received many accolades, including Mail Carrier of the Year and Man of the Year (twice). One of his favorite things to do was raise money for charitable organizations. He participated in softball tournaments with Cameron Iron Works for ARC, barbecue sales for the VFW, and raffles for Special Olympics. If he wasn’t the chairman of an event, he was a volunteer, including barbecuing for residents at Heritage Manor Nursing Home each month and bartending for the Cotton Festival and Chamber of Commerce events, among many other things.
Hill also served his beloved community as a member of the Ville Platte Rotary Club for about 15 years, during which time, his daughter was also a member for several years. He faithfully attended the meetings each week and enjoyed the fellowship and visiting with his fellow club members.
Like most Cajuns, Hill loved to cook, and if you ever had the privilege of eating his cooking, you didn’t forget it. He would often share his famous “pain perdu” with the staff of KVPI, much to their delight. Hill never met a stranger and left an impression everywhere he went.
Remembering Hillery Hill
Patricia Duplechin (Activity Director at Heritage Manor Nursing Home) - “He was a great volunteer and a wonderful advocate for all of our residents, especially the veterans. We counted on him and his comrades each year for the flag raising at the beginning of nursing home week and the monthly BBQ’s that he would have different sponsors for. He joyfully gave over 30 years of service to Heritage Manor residents.”
Mark Layne (KVPI General Manager) - “He was a regular caller to KVPI La Tasse de Cafe. He would often visit us in person bringing us doughnuts and my personal favorite, French Toast (Pain Perdue). Each Veteran’s Day or July 4, he would help me get veterans from World War II and Korea to come share their thoughts and memories about their service. He stands out as a person who has helped countless people through bingo games, BBQ’s and just service to the community. For the short time, I lived in Ville Platte, he was my mail man, and despite the miles he walked each day and carrying a heavy mail bag, he always had a smile on his face. He loved his country and his family. He will be greatly missed by all of us at KVPI.”
Brent Coreil (Rotarian and former District Attorney) - “He was my idol. He single-handedly did so much for the veterans. He was always willing to help anyone and it came from his heart for the love of his community. We lost a good one.”