Obituary of Daniel G Hilmes

Daniel George Hilmes, age 75, passed away August 31, 2021 due to an accident. Dan was born on July 7, 1946 in Ransom Kansas to parents Armilla and Henry Hilmes. He attended “country school” until the start of his freshman year of high school, when he began attending Seminary school in Victoria Kansas. (Yes, he studied to be a priest, then changed his mind) After high school, Dan joined the US Army and trained as a helicopter mechanic where he received several commendations for his exceptional work. He served in the Vietnam War from June 1966 to July 1968. Dan moved from Kansas to Washington State in 1974 after visiting his cousin “Dink” Hilmes who lived in Othello, and had offered him a job with Hilmes Construction. Dan continued to work for Hilmes Construction as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic until his retirement in 2013. Although he was “retired” he loved to be busy, so he worked part time, just to “stay out of trouble”. Dan was a hard working person who gave his all to anything he was doing. He loved his garden and yard work. He was a man of integrity who helped anyone who needed help in any way. He knew a little about everything, and if he didn’t he would research until he found the answer. He had a photographic memory, which was great at first, but could be annoying at times. His children and grandchildren were his life and he would do anything for them. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Armilla and Henry, his sister Sandra, brothers Donald, Larry, Alan and Kenny. He leaves behind wife Ninfa, daughter Allyson Goodin (Gary), son Curtis Hilmes, grandchildren Zac Goodin, Rylee Hilmes, Lillyan Goodin and Hayley Goodin. Sister Karen (Larry) Interman, brother Fred (Gladys) Hilmes, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dan will be greatly missed by all.