Robert Eugene Hill, 81, of Burlington, died Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home.
Born April 12, 1943, in Hamburg, he was the son of Ezra "Pete" Ambrose and Lydia Elizabeth Powers Hill. On May 2, 1970, he married Claire Ruth Waters in Burlington.
He attended Shenandoah High School until he joined the military.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving from April 15, 1960 until March 23, 1964. Bob was a proud American and was honored to serve.
Bob worked as a mechanic as a young man. After his military service, he worked as a Union Iron worker for 40 years until his retirement at age 64.
He was a member of Local Union 577 for 60 years, American Vets and V.F.W. #10102. He enjoyed rebuilding and customizing classic cars and taking them to car shows, where he had won multiple awards. He could be found in the garage either working on cars, passing his knowledge on to the next generation or supervision when he wasn't able.
Survivors include his wife, Claire Hill of Burlington; two children, Kandee Matthews of Navarre, Fla. and Jerry (Dina) Allen of Fort Madison; three grandchildren, Lynnae (Zach), Taylor (Haley) and Alexandria (Cameron); one great granddaughter on the way, Claire Ann and his two favorite nephews, Larry Rainey and Timmy Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Larry Hill, one sister, Barbara Rainey and niece, Diane Myers.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The celebration of life for Bob will be 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at West Avenue Baptist Church, 2500 West Ave. with Pastor Gerald Dzawo officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Burlington Public Library.