A devoted follower of Christ, caring friend and beloved brother, uncle and cousin – David Lee Hileman, 65, passed away on August 17, 2026 at Byron Wellness Community in Fort Wayne, IN surrounded by loving family.
David was born on November 8, 1960 to Robert and Marian (Furry) Hileman in Plymouth. Dave enjoyed a loving childhood as the younger brother to three doting sisters and the only son in the family of six. The love and care Dave received from his parents was second to none.
Sports and school activities were the center of the Hileman home life with a father who served as Athletic Director at Plymouth High School for 25 years. Dave participated in football, basketball and baseball with football being his favorite. Despite injuring his shoulder several times, he was thrilled to help Plymouth Football win a 2A State Football Title in the fall of 1977. Dave was named 2nd Team All State Class 2A Tackle (1977), Honorable Mention NLC Conference Tackle (1977) and 2nd Team All NLC Conference Tackle (1978).
Dave graduated from Plymouth High School in 1979 and went on to Valparaiso University where he played football and graduated in 1983.
Dave was happiest when he was serving others and particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Kiwanis Crippled Children’s Camp near Plymouth for thirteen years. He was eager to use his physical strength to assist others born with physical limitations. And he loved providing Sunday Sermons for the staff and campers as well.
Dave, with the help of his mother, founded and facilitated a monthly support group called “Be Yourself” that met at Lifeplex. This group focused on helping individuals and families dealing with mental health issues. Dave always wanted to be used by the Lord to help others with a challenging journey similar to his. Together Dave and his mother provided the right recipe of love, friendship, food, information and support that made this group be a prized community resource for several years.
Dave’s volunteer heart led him to teach the Friendship Class at Trinity United Methodist for years as well as go often to read to residents at Pilgrim Manor and Millers Merry Manor. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer aide for Joint Educational Special Services (JESSE) both at Argos and Plymouth Schools as well as a volunteer football assistant coach at Lincoln Junior High. Pathfinder Services also honored him for his time as a volunteer.
Dave’s own journey with mental health took him to several different living situations and at each one, he always found a way to share his love for the Lord and minister to those who lived and worked there. He particularly found great joy residing at Pilgrim Manor and made many friends there among residents and staff. His final home at Byron Wellness Community in Fort Wayne, IN gave him an immense sense of value as he assisted in preaching, teaching and reading to many until his health worsened. Volunteer Chaplain John Eakin was a treasured brother in Christ to Dave at Byron and the family is so grateful for his role (as well as others on the Byron staff) in enabling Dave to lead a “Purpose Filled Life” as is the Byron Mission Statement.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marian Hileman, sister Karen Hileman Erbse, brother in law Jim Erbse, nephew Adam Delp and niece Krista Delp.
He is survived by his sisters Linda (Larry) Mann, Judy (Mike) Delp as well as his nephews Eric (Beth) Mann, Michael (Heather) Delp, Andy (Brenda) Erbse and nieces Betsy (Brett) Sears and Erica (Jay) Sefton. Dave especially loved his great nephews Kyser (Kenna) McCrammer, Kadin McCrammer, Easton Mann, Trey Delp, Gage Sefton, Bryce Sefton, Drake Sefton, Noah Erbse as well as great nieces Taylor Delp, Rylee Mann, Ciera Sefton, Amelia Erbse and Sabrina Sears. They were “his kids” and he treasured being with them and attending their activities. Dave was loyal to his family, Plymouth Pilgrims/Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Notre Dame Football.
Services: Johnson Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN
Visitation - Saturday, August 22nd 12-2PM
Celebration of Life – Saturday, August 22nd 2 PM with burial at Oakhill Cemetery
Memorial Gifts: David’s Courage, faith based recovery facility for men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Though these were not Dave’s challenges, he was so compassionate to those dealing with any issue and appreciated the Christian approach that David’s Courage provides. Donations can be mailed to David’s Courage, 10924 Lincoln Highway, Plymouth, IN 46563
Dave was a gift to many. In these final days, he shared scriptures he had memorized but he also often shared the quote that is still on a sign that hangs in the Plymouth High School gymnasium that best sums up his life:
“For When One Great Scorer comes to write against your name… He writes – Not that you won or lost – but how you played the game…”
Though not the hand any of us would want to be dealt, Dave played his hand in the game of life with a joy that reflected his Lord and Savior…” Well Done Dave… You played the game so well”.
