Donald Hill

Amaranth, Pennsylvania

Donald Edward Hill, 83, of Amaranth, Pa., died Wednesday, October 9, 2013.

Born February 3, 1930, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late James and Marguerite McKee Hill. He was the beloved nephew of the late Ralph and Ada Foster McKee, who lovingly reared him on their farm, located in Amaranth, after the death of his mother in 1943.

His sister, Audrey Hill Smith, of Indianapolis, In.; three nephews; and one niece, survive him.

His brother, James Ralph Hill, Jr., preceded him in death.

Donald was a direct descendant of the McKibbin and McKee families, who, after emigrating from Ireland in the early 1800’s, settled upon 25,000 acres, most of which became what is known today as Buck Valley, Pa.

Donald was a farmer and gardener, and had an amazing ability to connect and interact with both children and animals; neither detected anything within him for which to be afraid. He was an active volunteer in the Grange, and the C & O Canal Organization located in Hancock, Md.  Donald also, after teaching himself how to play the piano, shared his gift with numerous Nursing and Retirement Homes and Churches through the Tri-State area, as well as the Washington County Hospital. He also enjoyed bowling, singing, and traveling across the country. Donald also taught himself how to creatively paint and draw sketches and landscapes. He found great pleasure in visiting with relatives and friends, too numerous to count. When you met Donald, you automatically became his friend.

Donald, as a devoted Christian, had a simple and childlike faith that provided the platform upon which his entire life was lived. He enjoyed worshiping and sharing in fellowship with many individuals and congregations throughout the Tri-State area.  Donald, throughout his life, exemplified the simple teachings of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Honesty and integrity were the cornerstones of his life. With his childlike faith, he simply could not understand, or know how to intentionally hurt anyone.

Services will be on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, located at 2 East High Street, Hancock, Md. The Rev. F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr. will officiate.  Interment will follow at the Buck Valley Memorial Cemetery, located in Buck Valley, Pa.

Friends may pay their respects at the Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, Md., on Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m. The family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742, or Williamsport Retirement Village, 154 North Artizan Street, Williamsport, Md. 21795.

Online condolences will be accepted at grovefh.com