Berl LaVern Hilborn, age 82, long time Morral resident, passed early Friday morning surrounded by family after finding out only a week earlier he had cancer. He was born on April 1, 1931 in Crawford County the son of the late Chester W. and Viola D. (Cover) Hilborn.
After graduating from Morral High School in 1950, Berl spent a short time at Bowling Green State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War.
On January 8, 1955 he married Martha Jean Null. They were married for over 45 years before she passed away in 2000. Many may also remember him and his identical twin brother, Merl as co-owners of Twin Sunoco on North Main during the 50’s. Berl worked for many years with Wyandot Blacktop and continued to service vehicles of his friends and the Morral community. Berl continued to keep busy by assisting in the seasonal farm chores with the Forry Farms.
Berl was quite active in the community including service with the Salt Rock Township Fire Department, the Ridgedale Lion’s Club, Marion Moose Lodge 889, Post 3313 of the VFW, and he volunteered to deliver Mobil Meals. This small paragraph exemplifies the awesome display of the life Berl enjoyed. Not to be forgotten, he embarked on solving the world problems with the other members of his breakfast club.
Berl will be remembered as one who always had a laugh and a smile, enjoying the simple things in life such as playing cards, dancing, watching sports, and spending time with his family and friends.
He very much enjoyed and will be missed by his children, Lynne Mathews of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, Tim (Cheryl) Hilborn of Fredericktown, Ted (Deb) Hilborn of Tiffin and Johnna (Jim) Drozdowski of Portland, Oregon. Berl had eleven grand children, five great grand children, with triplets expected this summer, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Chris Smith, two sisters Glendoris Lamb and Geraldine Schertzer, and special twin brother Merl Hilborn.
Friends may call Sunday, March 30th, from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4983 Marion Upper Sandusky Road, Marion, Ohio (Brush Ridge).
Services celebrating his life will also be held there on Monday, March 31st, 10:30 a.m. at Grand Prairie Baptist Church, with Rev. Joe Sopher officiating. Burial will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salt Rock Township Fire Department, 143 S. Green St., Morral, OH 43337.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Berl’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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