August 27, 1952 - December 7, 2025
Jarrold Duane Hillman, 73, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, principal and friend, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family following a 4-year battle with cancer. Born on August 27, 1952, in Hays, KS, Jarry’s life was a testament of love, laughter, and service.
Jarry was taken to church with his family from an early age and began his relationship with Christ as a young boy. He was a sports star in high school, excelling as a state wrestler and star receiver for Hays High School. Jarry was recruited to play college football at Emporia State University. Not only did he excel as an athlete on both levels, but more importantly as a friend to everyone. After a year at Emporia, he transferred to Fort Hays State University where he obtained a degree in Elementary Education. This would be the beginning of his lifetime of service.
During his childhood, Jarry was a member of the First Nazarene Church in Hays. As a teen, Jarry was “volun-told” to sing in the church choir. It is in this church that he met the love of his life, Jenny Hudson. It is still up for debate who winked at who first. Jarry was in the choir loft and Jenny in the congregation. They would marry in this church on May 25, 1974, to the music “We’ve Only Just Begun”. To their union, they added two beautiful children, Jennifer and Jason. Their marriage was at 51 years and going strong. If you asked both, they would say the other was truly their best friend. Jarry would tell anyone within earshot how amazing Jenny had cared for him in life, especially recently. They lived their vows of sickness and health, along with every other challenge, together. They were long time members of Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church.
Jarry was a man of many talents and passions. He was known for his ornery spirit, funny jokes, “extra” loving attention, and endless energy for others. He spent 30 years as a teacher and principal, shaping the lives of countless students. His teaching began in 1974 in Sharon Springs, KS where he taught 6th grade, track, football and basketball. He would leave teaching for some years to explore the family business of selling World Book Encyclopedias. This is what brought him to Enid. He was a top salesman, it being in his blood. Even with his success, his passion would lead him back to education. This would give him more time at home with his family as well. In 1988, Jarry obtained his Master of Special Education, and began teaching for Enid Public Schools at Cherokee Park State School. He would begin the First Inclusion Program for Special Education at Kremlin Public Schools. In 1992, Enid Public Schools contacted him to develop and direct their Alternative School Program. He was up for the challenge. Jarry quickly fell in love with the environment of alternative education and was the principal until his retirement in June 2017. His mission field was the school. He loved each and every student, and the story they brought with them through the doors. He felt like God called him to this place. His life motto was: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Jarry’s love for woodworking and the great outdoors was apparent to all who knew him. He as an avid bowhunter, fisherman, and loved shooting his guns. His enthusiasm for deer hunting was infectious. Throughout his life, he brought others to love the sport. He would frequently say he felt closest to God in the woods or on a tree stand. He loved hunting with his son and son-in-law, but his favorite hunting buddies were his four grandchildren. Jarry was known to hide snacks in the ground blind or tree stand while waiting for the big one.
Jarry is survived by his loving wife, Jenny; daughter Jennifer (Dennom) Sullivan; son Jason (Alyssa) Hillman; Deeply missed by his four grandchildren - whom he was known as “Papa” - Brock and Emma Sullivan, Sander and Stran Hillman; Wonderful Mother Rosemary Hillman; Brother Larry (Terry) Hillman; Sister Sherry (Steve) Crow; Brother-in-Law Craig Hudson; Sister-in-Law Josephine Hudson; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a community of amazing friends.
A celebration of Jarry’s life will be held at 10:00am on December 13, 2025, at Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church. In honor of his love for people and the outdoors, the family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the “Fish Fisherman’s Club” at 112 North Jackson, Enid, OK 73701.
In honor of Jarry’s love of Kansas University and the Kansas City Chiefs feel free to wear team colors to his Celebration of Life. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
