Frank Delbert HILLS

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our father, Frank Delbert Hills. Frank passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, PA. On March 31, 1934, Frank was born on March 31, 1934 in Port Allegany, PA, the eldest son of Everett G. and Doris A. Johnson Hills.

He was a 1956 graduate of Pennsylvania State University and upon graduation, Frank was commissioned into the US Air Force as a second lieutenant, assigned to San Antonio, TX for flight school. It was there, on a blind date, that he met LaVonne Oetjen and they married on November 22, 1956.

For twenty-one years Frank proudly served in the USAF as a helicopter pilot. His assignments stretched from Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada to Vandenburg AFB in California, to Bolling AFB in Washington, DC, to Vietnam. While Frank was assigned to Vietnam, he flew 200 combat missions including a successful helicopter rescue behind enemy lines whilst under fire. For this he received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. His last assignment was USAF liaison officer to the PA Civil Air Patrol. Frank retired from the Air Force in May 1977 with the Command Pilot rating and nearly 7000 hours of flying time.

Frank and LaVonne moved back to Port Allegany where he became active in the Port Allegany community serving as the President of the Borough Council, Treasurer of the Exchange Club, and Financial Secretary for Trinity United Methodist Church. Frank was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons and National Sojourners and a life-time member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the USAF Helicopter Pilots Association, and the Military Officers Association. He served as office manager for Witter Gas and Oil Company before retiring a second time and moving with LaVonne to Bluffton, SC. Frank and LaVonne enjoyed traveling and their many stays with their six grandchildren.

Frank was predeceased by LaVonne, who died on May 15, 2006. He and LaVonne had two children: a son Everett C. (Therese) of Camp Hill, PA, and a daughter, Perianne (Gavin) Graham of London, England and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Additional survivors are his and LaVonne’s six grandchildren: Ashley (Jaime) Moreno of Washington, DC, Kevin Hills of Pittsburgh, PA, Caroline Hills of Baltimore, MD, Edward Graham of Weymouth, UK, Eleanor Graham of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Elizabeth Graham of London, England; his brother, Thomas E. (Erlean) Hills of Darlington, PA; his sister-in-law, Shirley Beaver; his nieces, Beth (Brian) Wolterman, Juli (Brian) Jeffrey, Kelsey (Benjamin) Huebsch, Whitney (Edward) Frindt; and nephews, Dean (Michelle) Hills and Brad Bentsen. 

With the love and support of LaVonne, Frank proudly served his country, fostered strong, loving ties with family near and far, and always had stories and jokes to tell that he closed with his contagious laugh and broad smile. 

Our family is deeply grateful to Dr. Faith Matzoni, the nursing staff, and caregivers at Messiah Lifeways; your care and respect for Frank were daily blessings to him and our family.

Friends may call at Port Allegany United Methodist Church on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM.  Rev. James A. Cannistraci will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany. Memorial donations may be made to Messiah Lifeways at www.messiahlifeways.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.