Eugene R. Hill, 85, of Rock Island, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at UnityPoint Health - Trinity, Rock Island. Private graveside services will be Thursday at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island where military honors will be conducted. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family.

Gene was born on April 4, 1931 in Moline, the son of Roy and Helen (Cook) Hill. He married Marilyn Driscoll on June 18, 1951 in Gulfport, Mississippi. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2016.

Gene served as a private in the U.S Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a radio operator in Korea. He was an electric systems supervisor at MidAmerican Energy, retiring in 1993 after 40 years of service. During his retirement, Gene worked as a marshal at Highland Springs Golf Course.  He was a member of the Independent Order of Vikings Thor Lodge No.9, Moline. Gene was a World War II history buff. He was an avid bird-watcher and had several bird feeders. He was proud of his achievements as a high school baseball player. He enjoyed golfing, reading, woodworking, spending time with his daughter and granddaughter, and his many life-long friends from Moline High School.

Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Hill and her husband Lee Blackmon, Moline; a granddaughter, Samantha Tonn, Moline; a step-granddaughter Lizzy (Sam) Luoma and step-great-grandson Charlie, Duluth, MN; sister, Marilyn Knittle, Moline; sister-in-law Barbara (Joe) Vinzant, East Moline; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn; son, Robin; and a sister, Shirley White.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com