Homer Hill

Homer Nathan “Shorty” Hill, a longtime resident of Meadowgreen Acres in Erie, went to be with the Lord and into the loving arms of his dear Dorothy Mae on Saturday, May 16, 2015. He was 91.

Born in Little Hope, PA on February 27th, 1924, Homer was the son of Elmer and Martha Pierce Hill and a lifelong resident of Erie. He attended Academy High School before being called into service with the U.S. Army at the height of the second World War. Prior to reporting for active duty, Homer married Dorothy Mae Bradish on January 24, 1943, and together they spent a lifetime creating a beautiful, caring family and cherished memory after cherished memory.

A true member of America's "Greatest Generation," Homer served his country honorably in World War II, earning the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon. Upon discharge, Homer returned to Erie where he worked for 41 years as a tire man at Lyons Transportation Lines, retiring in 1986. A hard worker, a dedicated employee, and a man of integrity, Homer assured the safety and success of scores of drivers for LTL, as he’d done for his brothers in arms during the war, by diligently maintaining the proper working order of a large fleet of over-the-road trucks and trailers. In doing so, he raised three children who survive him: Sandy Hayes (Ron) and her partner Doug Bible of Lake City, Sally Tokar and her husband Ron of Fairview, and Rick Hill and his wife Deb of Los Angeles, California. He is further survived by his sister, Doris Mae Weed (Harold), five grandchildren, Ron Tokar, Tammy (Tokar) Way (Sean), Jeff Tokar (Kellie), Ron Hayes (Dawn), and Chris Hayes, along with 6 great-grandsons, one dear great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

Homer was an artistic soul. As early as high school, Homer became known for his skill at sketching popular film stars and cartoon characters, and he soon gained wide acclaim as a portrait artist. Later in life, his attention turned to woodburning, where he excelled at capturing landscapes, wildlife, and cartoon characters in wood. This, in turn, led to an interest in fabricating small woodworking projects. His toys, birdhouses, clocks and other decorative pieces were among the first donated projects to WQLN for their annual on-air auctions. More importantly, his delightful creations brought great joy to each of his great-grandchildren. Eventually, Homer became proficient at constructing large furniture items, and virtually every family member he leaves behind possesses something of lasting value that he created with his hands.

Friends and family were the center of Homer’s life, and his quick wit and storyteller’s charm endeared him to all who encountered him. He passionately enjoyed family gatherings as opportunities to play cards, laugh over beers, and relish the company of those he loved. Ever the character, “Shorty,” as he was affectionately known for much of his life, also loved music, shooting pool, baseball, and vintage television shows like “M*A*S*H,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Bonanza.” He even prided himself on learning to cook a passable rendition of his wife’s amazing, family-famous apple pie.

In addition to his parents, Homer was preceded in death by the only love of his life, wife Dorothy Mae Bradish, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Nine of his ten siblings also preceded him in death: LaVona Greenman (Jim), Agnes Dailey (Tom), Clara Reisenweber (Al), Ada Kresse (Norman), Rose Eleanor Will (Leo), John Emory Hill (Vera), Ronald Hill (Marion), and Lloyd and Leo Hill, each of whom died in infancy.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Interment at Erie County Memorial Gardens will follow,

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Homer’s memory to the Special Olympics, 148 W 21st St, Erie, PA 16502 St. Jude’s Children’s Charities 105 Braunlich Dr # 420, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, or the ASPCA PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.