In loving memory of John F. Hillenbrand, October 4, 1948 – October 9, 2013
John was a native of Warrick County, Indiana and a servant leader most of his life. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, and graduated from Columbus State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. His passion was serving the poor and disadvantaged, working more than 35 years in government, corrections, and community service. He started in the court system as a Chief Juvenile Probation Officer helping troubled youth. John continued his career for 15 years as Town Manager of Chandler, Indiana, expanding the town limits, giving life to the Industrial Park and laying the groundwork for the Community Sports Complex and Center. He was responsible for the multi-million dollar renovation of Chandler Utilities. He and his wife owned and operated Movietown Video & Collectibles during the 1990s. In 2000, John had the responsibility of developing the Office of Community Corrections for the Warrick County courts. He also served as Assistant Director at the Tri-State Food Bank, organizing and implementing the Youth Backpack Program, the Kid’s Café, obtaining grants to help support 33 area counties, and maintaining the Emergency Food Pantry System of Evansville.
He was a member of the Indiana Association of Cities & Towns, having also served as President. He was a member of Newburgh Masonic Lodge, Hadi Temple, VFW & Retired Indiana Public Employees Association, Chandler Jaycees, and Chandler Kiwanis. He held offices in the Indiana Correctional Association, Indiana Municipal Management Association, Warrick County Local Development, Warrick County Poor Committee, and Warrick County Clowns (now merged with Hadi Temple Funsters). His favorite pastimes included science fiction television and RPG gaming.
John was preceded in death by brothers Thomas & Ronald. Surviving siblings are David Hillenbrand, Charles Hillenbrand & Suzan Senger all of Chandler, Indiana.
He is greatly missed by his wife, Linda; daughters, Dawn and Staci; and grandchildren, John, Blythe, Grayson, and Eleanor.
As a devoted Star Trek enthusiast, it was John’s dream to one day see space himself. It was his desire to have his ashes sent among the stars, and it is an honor to fulfill his dream.
