Richard "Rick" Joseph Hillman, 76, of Freeman, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Interment in the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO.

Rick was most easily identified as "Rick & Linda", his wife of 49 years. They were high school sweethearts starting in the 8th grade at Midway. Rick lost Linda just a week before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Rick will be remembered by many as the incredibly talented machinist, fabricator, and mechanic. Incredibly smart and versed in many topics (especially politics, which he had some opinions), his kitchen table was the setting for countless conversations with many people that stopped by. Stopping by involved walking in, grabbing a beer out of the fridge, and sliding up to the table. His house was truly your house.

Rick was an avid and extremely die-hard fan of all things racing; Formula 1, Indy, and NASCAR being unmissable viewings. He also attended numerous races across the country and always made it a priority to have his two children attend with him. Those two children, his son, Chris, 55, and daughter, Nicole, 49, were the main features in his life. Along with Linda, Rick never went anywhere without the inclusion of his kids. He went, they went. He was remarkable in the way he shaped his kids and influenced so many others just by the way he lived his life. Simply, quietly, but always inviting and engaging.

If asked, he would share endless stories of his most cherished memories in life, involving 20 years of travel to he and Linda's favorite destination, Cancun. Going to the same resort for all those years, they developed a network of dear friends from all over North America. Those friendships remained strong and lasting even when returning home. His impact, along with Linda, lead to them becoming Ambassador's for the resort. This was not a position that previously existed, but highlighted the positive impact that they had on those around them.

Like his fairly simple and quiet personal life, he left much the same. He asked nothing of others. Ever. He was the "go-to" person. He never asked out of pride, but from never wanting to burden. His passing was quiet, without a sense of burden, stubborn, and at home. He will forever be missed by so many. He leaves owing nothing and without regrets.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; his brother, Danny; and his sister, Pati. He leaves behind his brother, Andy; his sisters, Sherry and Janie; his very loved and adored children: Chris and Nicole and her husband, Tim; grandchildren: Cabriah, Troy, and Ryan; and bonus grandchildren: Mia and Teagan.