Hillary Everson

Hillary J. Everson, 94, of Monroe, passed away at 9:42 PM, Tuesday, July 6, 2010, in the Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. He had been in poor health since entering the center in October. He was born October 8, 1915 in Detroit to Herbert H. and Ruth (Bray) Everson. A 1933 graduate of Western High School in Detroit, he continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he received his Bachelor of Arts. While there he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and developed a passion for University of Michigan football and basketball. He held season tickets for many years. On July 22, 1938 he married Veronica E. Blakeslee in Angola, IN. They came to Monroe in 1939 from Detroit to begin his career as a teacher at Monroe High School. He further continued his education by attending and receiving a Master of Education from Wayne State University, and attended Purdue University, NDEA History Institute, receiving a certificate. Hillary was a 37 year employee of Monroe Public Schools as a teacher at the high school. He taught History and American Government, and served as the Senior Class advisor and coached the golf team. He retired in 1977. He and his wife enjoyed spending their winters in Winter Haven, FL. Hillary enjoyed golfing, was a past member of Monroe Golf and Country Club, enjoyed raising gladioli, and was a member of the Northwest Ohio Gladioli Society; he earned national awards for his prize hybrids, which he named after his daughters; Judith Jean and Marilyn Ruth, and granddaughter, Calley Marie. Also, he was a diehard lifelong Detroit Tiger fan. Survivors include his wife, Veronica E., son, Michael Louis (Tricia Baber) Everson of Columbus, OH, daughters; Judith J. ((John) Gebhardt of Annapolis, MD and Marilyn R. (Mickey) Duffey of Monroe, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. His parents, and an infant son, John Galloway Everson preceded him in death. Friends may call Saturday at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, from 1-4 and 6-8 PM, where services celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Sunday. Sister Kate O’Brien of Mercy Memorial Hospice will officiate. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery, North Branch, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his name may be given to the LSA Fund of the University of Michigan.