Douglas George Hillard, age 87, of Adrian, died peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, September 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Born in Adrian on October 8, 1937, he was the was the son of the late George and Lois (Cessna) Hillard.
An Adrian resident, Doug was a graduate of Lyons High School before earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He married the former Patricia Auten on September 12, 1959, in Adrian. Together they raised two sons and recently celebrated 66 years as husband and wife.
Doug worked as a science instructor for the Adrian Training School for 31 ½ years, formally retiring in 1996. Doug enjoyed shooting sporting clays, spending time at the cabin, hunting and being with family.
In addition to his wife, Pat, he is survived by two sons, Phillip (Sandra) Hillard of Hudson and Brian (Colleen) Hillard of Apopka, FL; three brothers, Gregory (Eugenie) Hillard of Jasper, Larry (Roxanne) Hillard of MN and Ronald (Laurel) Hillard of South Lyons; three sisters, Sondra Derby of Sand Creek; JoAnne (Robert) Pickens of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Linda (Daniel) Salenbien of Adrian; five grandchildren, Sarah (Justin), Kyle, Nicholas (Amy), Ayden and Kelton; and a great granddaughter, Penny. Doug was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gerald Derby.
A funeral service for Doug will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian with Pastor Bruce Jewett officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. and Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lenawee. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Joan Ramus, Cristie VanValkenburg and Hospice of Lenawee. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.