Donald Hill

WINDHAM — Donald H. Hill, 85, of Windham, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Donnie was born in Windham, on Jan. 27, 1931, the son of Arthur H. and Josie M. (McClellan) Hill. He attended Windham schools and was a graduate of Maine Vocational Technical College, Augusta in 1952. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army 5th Infantry in Korea until 1954. He married Jo-Anne Weir in 1954.

Donnie was employed by the Maine Correctional Center, where he established a woodworking program in 1960 until his retirement in 1994, and was a member of the Maine Association of Retirees. He had great pleasure in teaching lifelong skills to troubled young men. That program still exists today. From his own woodworking shop, he expanded his craft to an art form, creating various pieces from furniture to wall hangings. Although Donnie liked working with different types of wood and inlays, he was especially fond of teak.

Donnie was a member of the North Windham Union Church and was a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Windham. He was a member of several Masonic and Kora Shrine organizations including Presumpscot Lodge, Charter member of Kora Kampers and Director Emeritus of the Kora Cycle Corps, many Shrine Clubs including Lake Region, served on the Aide Corps during his 50-year membership and a former member of Put Stevens Court. He and his wife enjoyed many camping escapades and traveled to Florida for 23 winters.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jo-Anne (Weir) Hill; a son, Kirk H. Hill of Orlando; daughters, Chrystal L. Pitarys of Raymond, Neola L. Lussier of Standish and Stacey A. Gratton of Biddeford; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday Sept. 8, 2016, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, North Windham. A Masonic service will be held at 11 a.m. and his memorial service follows with the Reverend Debbie Girard officiating.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Donnie’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to: Shrine Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.