John Alvin Hillman, 64, passed away on March 11, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born to Alvin and Thelma Hillman in Wichita on Nov. 4, 1959. John married Debbie Diskin on July 31, 1982, and together they had two children, Nic and Shelby.
John was an auctioneer for 34 years, and he owned Hillman Sales and Auction Service. He also was a realtor for Farm and Home Realty in Cheney, and he was a distributor for WW Manufacturing Company.
For everyone that had the pleasure of meeting “Big John,” you had the opportunity to experience his cooking, his infamous handshake, the love he shared for his family and his passion for the river.
He is preceded in death by parents, Alvin and Thelma Hillman, and sister, Joyce Hillman.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Hillman; son, Nic (Kelli) Hillman; daughter, Shelby Hillman; brothers, Larry (Becky) Hillman, and Loren Hillman; sisters, Arleata (Tom) Harmon, Arlene (Steve) Williams, Barbara Kjergaard, and Charlene (Joe) Hodge; and grandchildren, Knox, Lennox and Koe.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 15, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church followed by burial at Vinita Cemetery in Cheney.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Building Fund, 4813 NE 150 Ave., Cheney, KS 67025, or the Cheney Community Foundation, c/o Citizens State Bank, 306 N. Main St., Cheney, KS, 67025.
Condolences may be left at www.wulfastmortuary.com. 
And always remember, “If you’re gonna be a bear, you might as well be a grizzly.”