John Hillenbrand

John Frederick Hillenbrand May 24, 1948 – July 6, 2026 John Frederick Hillenbrand went home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on Monday, July 6, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the family who loved and adored him. John was born on May 24, 1948, in Huntington, Massachusetts, to Harold and Beverly Hillenbrand. He was raised alongside his younger sister, Sue, and treasured his childhood in the Berkshire Mountains. He often spoke fondly of fishing mountain streams, skiing, participating in church youth groups, playing soccer, picking apples, harvesting maple syrup, and canoe racing with his lifelong friend, Juragen. These early experiences helped shape the adventurous spirit, creativity, and deep appreciation for God's creation that remained with him throughout his life. John graduated from Gateway Regional High School, where he excelled in soccer, music, and art. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Recognized for his extraordinary musical talent, he was selected to study at Berklee College of Music and the Naval School of Music. As a gifted tenor saxophonist, he toured throughout Texas performing with five Army jazz and dance bands before receiving an honorable discharge in October 1972. After completing his military service, John earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from North Texas State University in May 1975. During those years, his parents and sister followed him to Texas, making Denton their new home. In 1978, John met the love of his life, Debbie, on a blind date arranged by Debbie's Aunt Barbara Reichle, who worked with John at Scripps-Howard Business Journals in Houston. They were married in 1979 and spent the next 46 years building a life centered on faith, unconditional love, and unwavering devotion to one another. Together they raised three children, creating a home filled with laughter, encouragement, and Christ-centered values. John enjoyed a distinguished career as a graphic designer, illustrator, copywriter, art director, and prepress manager. As Art Director for Texas Saltwater Magazine and Horseman Magazine, he helped define each publication's visual identity through his creativity and artistic vision. His work earned two ADDY Awards recognizing excellence in advertising, graphic design, and marketing. Yet among all of his professional accomplishments, John was most proud of designing and writing the Eyes of Texas book series for Ray Miller. While John was an accomplished artist and musician, his greatest passion was his relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided every decision he made. He desired above all else that others would see Christ through him. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, an act of kindness, or words of encouragement, John faithfully shared God's love with everyone he met. Nothing brought John greater joy than spending time with his family. He cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren, treasured family gatherings, and never missed an opportunity for meaningful conversations about history, current events, art, music, or matters of faith. His wisdom, curiosity, and gentle humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Following retirement, Debbie encouraged John to return to painting, allowing his remarkable artistic gifts to flourish once again. Through every brushstroke, he found joy in creating beauty, and his paintings stand today as treasured reminders of both his extraordinary talent and the Creator who inspired it. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Beverly Hillenbrand, and by his beloved sister, Sue Hillenbrand Cavazos, who welcomed him into Heaven. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 46 years, Debbie Evans Hillenbrand; his son, Michael Hillenbrand and wife Lauren; his daughters, Donelle Hillenbrand Henthorne and husband Rick, and Rachel Hillenbrand Minter and husband Jacob; his treasured grandchildren, Luke Hillenbrand, Emerie Henthorne, Adalynn Henthorne, Evelyn Minter, and Kailey Minter; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. John was a compassionate husband, a loving father, a proud Opa and Poopa, a gifted artist and musician, a loyal friend, and above all, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He encouraged those around him with kindness, wisdom, humility, and unwavering love. His legacy lives on not only through the family he cherished, but through the faith he shared, the beauty he created, and the countless lives he touched.

John Hillenbrand

May 24, 1948 - July 6, 2026