According to God’s plan, Danny Wayne Hileman, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away in his home on the morning of August 28, 2020, after a long, brave fight with several illnesses.  He was born at home in Grand Tower, Illinois, on March 25, 1948, to Hazel Ellen (Mainer) Hileman and Carl William Hileman.

Dan is survived by his wife of 39 years, Debra Lynn (Kerns) Hileman, a special daughter, Heather Dawn McDaniel (Corey), two grandsons, Brady Sullivan McDaniel and Ian Murphy McDaniel all of Effingham, Illinois, a sister, Shirley Joan West (Bobby) of Anna, Illinois, nieces, Lisa Michele Jianakoplos (Stephen) of St. Louis, Missouri, Theresa Kay Crane of Houston, Texas, and Brenda K. Smith (Randall) of Columbia, Illinois, nephews, Brian Kent West (Carol) of Plainfield, Indiana, and Kevin Dale Hileman of Columbia, Illinois, and close cousins, Burnell Mainer (Pam), Debra June Short, and Carolyn Jane Null, all of St. Charles, Missouri, and Paul Burnell Smith (Judy), of Waterloo, Illinois.  Also surviving are great nieces, great nephews and their children, as well as his beloved pet puggle, Ginger.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Earlene Welch (Robert), brothers, Almos Royal Hileman (Berniece), Richard Frank Hileman and Robert Lee Hileman, niece, Lana June Sheils, and nephew, Rudy Dean Weberling.

Dan graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1966, and attended Southern Illinois University.  “Big Dan” began his career with the Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1977.  He received numerous awards throughout his career for superior achievement.  In 2002, he was honored as the Employee of the Year for his outstanding performance of duties.  Dan concluded his career with the Bureau of Prisons as a correctional counselor and retired after 26 years of service.

While working at the Penitentiary, Dan met the love of his life on January 10, 1980.  Debbie worked as a Unit Secretary in the Drug Abuse Unit, and they were married on January 10, 1981.

Dan had a passion for golf and loved playing the game with his penitentiary buddies, friends and others until his health no longer allowed him to play.  He was an enthusiastic Cardinals fan all of his life and enjoyed IU basketball and Colts football games.  A nature lover, Dan enjoyed gardening and observing the wildlife that frequented his backyard.  He also enjoyed going to theatrical productions, including Broadway musicals, and in years past, attending marching band and drum and bugle corps competitions.   Dan liked being a part of the Dogwood Street neighborhood and visiting with his neighborhood friends.  Throughout his lifetime, Dan had many dog companions, and he dearly loved them all.

He was a loving and supportive bonus father to Heather throughout her walks of life, and a proud grandpa to Brady and Ian.  He enjoyed visits with his grandsons and attending their sporting and school events whenever he could.

A gentle giant, Big Dan lived simply with a tender heart.  He will be greatly missed.

In honoring Dan’s wishes, cremation has been chosen.  Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2020, at 1:00p.m., in Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47804.  Family and friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Friday, from 11:00a.m. until service time.  Chaplain Ric May officiating.