Tributes

Robert Cole (Bob) Hillman passed into eternal life at his home on December 22, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. Born in Schenectady, New York on June 2, 1932 (on his mother’s 28th birthday). He was the only child of Kenneth E. Hillman and Marjorie Wasson Hillman. The family moved to San Antonio when Bob was about 10 years old, after a brief, 2-year stop in Dallas. He attended Alamo Heights schools, graduating in 1950, part of the last high school class to graduate from the original “Cambridge Campus”. The University of Texas at Austin would be the next step in his journey. A life-long career in San Antonio’s oil and gas industry, as founder and principle of Hillman Oil Company, Bob represented Phillip 66 Petroleum Company with traditional service stations, and later the advent of the first gas and convenience store combination, which are an essential part of life today. Additionally he launched Datafleet Corp, a first of its kind, card operated fueling company, specifically for large companies with fleet vehicles. A quiet man, Bob was passionate about many things that reflected his gentle nature. Years spent enjoying the Texas coast, especially Rockport, along with hunting trips to south and west Texas with friends and family are memories he always carried with him, and often shared. He was an avid wood-carver with particular skill for shore and humming birds. His life’s profession and passion converged in his love of vintage automobiles. From a 1940 “Woody” station wagon named “Sweetheart” to a rambunctious 1965 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, he tinkered, hand-sanded, and sometimes completely over-hauled each of these treasures until they were showroom ready. A beautiful Fall day might find he and Sweetheart tooling around the Hill Country between Welfare and Waring. In May 1976, Bob married Marsha S. Grieshaber along with her two daughters from a previous marriage. For 44 years, they shared a love and devotion for each other that was uncommon for its depth of commitment and the singular joy they found in each other. Preceded in death by his parents, as well as his eldest child, Diane Hillman Schwartz, Bob is survived by his wife Marsha; children Maureen Hillman, Brad Hillman, Elaine Hillman Muellich and husband George, Drs. Amy Hillman Keim and husband Gerry; Tracy Grieshaber McDonald and husband Vincent, and Shelley Grieshaber; grandchildren Chris Smith, Katie Espinoza-Fernandez, Jim Schwartz, David McDonald, Carolyn McDonald, and Holly McDonald; as well as several great grandchildren. In accordance with suggested Covid-19 protocol, the family will not be hosting a reception following internment. Alternately, please feel free to submit thoughts or remembrances to the guest book linked to this page. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s name to Kindred Hospice of San Antonio. Kindred Hospice 4440 South Piedras Drive San Antonio, TX 78228 www.kindredhospice.com

Tributes

Robert Cole "Bob" Hillman

June 2, 1932 - December 22, 2020