Funeral services for Oscar Hillegeist, 95, of Dickinson, Texas were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings, Texas with Dr. John Croasdale officiating. Burial followed in the Lexington Memorial Cemetery in Lexington, Texas.
Oscar Andrew Hillegeist, or “Jr.” as some knew him, was born on January 19, 1929, in Lexington, Texas, and entered his heavenly home on November 12, 2024, in Dickinson, Texas.
At the age of 16 he graduated from Lexington High School in 1945. He continued his education and received an Associate Degree in Arts from Blinn Junior College in 1947. Oscar proudly served in the United States Army Reserve for 3 years from 1951 – 1954.
Raised in rural Lee County, Oscar learned the value of hard work and family support by working alongside his father. Their jobs included buying eggs and transporting them to the Galveston Farmer’s Market to sell. They also delivered and sold mistletoe and turkeys during the holidays.
Oscar’s desk jobs began as a teller at Lexington State Bank. He was a dependable and hardworking employee. His integrity caught the attention of his boss, and shortly thereafter, Oscar was encouraged to apply for a position with the Industrial Generating Company in Rockdale, Texas. This bold move set in motion a rewarding career. His unwavering loyalty and dedication to his job earned him a promotion to station accountant, and in 1971, he was transferred to the Big Brown Steam Electric Station in Fairfield, Texas. He worked for Texas Utilities for 33 before retiring in 1987.
Oscar was not satisfied with sitting still. He always loved driving and has been carrying a commercial driver’s license in his wallet since 1946! So, he went back to work as a Hotshot trucker for Lyle Oil Company in Fairfield, Texas. His CB handle was “Big O.” With his radio on and dedication to delivering the freight on time—regardless of weather conditions or challenges faced on the road—he set out for his next big adventure. Oscar logged thousands of miles and steadily built a reputation as a reliable and professional driver.
A committed Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, Oscar enjoyed attending church throughout his life. While living in Lexington, he was ordained a deacon. He continued serving as a deacon at his church in Rockdale and Fairfield, where he also taught a boy’s Sunday School class.
Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Otto August Hillegeist and Pauline Otto Hillegeist; his sister, Dorothy Hillegeist Eckard; his first wife, Patricia Ann Howe Hillegeist; his son, Mark Andrew Hillegeist; his daughter, Lori Lynne Hillegeist Bowen; and great-granddaughter Adalynn Sue Lockett.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Huffman West Hillegeist, who he lovingly referred to as “Precious”; his children, Lisa Hillegeist, Dianna West Robinson and her spouse De-Witt Robinson; Jeff West and his spouse Mechelle West; Shawn West and his spouse Lindsey West; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were Jeff West, Daniel Robinson, Samuel Lockett, Andrew West, Jeremy Robinson, De-Witt Robinson, Cody Caldwell, Alex West, Bobby Brewer, and Ben Robinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the American Legion, Post 6, P. O. Box 94, Lexington, Texas, or to the church of your choice.
Arrangements by Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings Texas.
