Daton Hill

Daton Hill - family man and friend - passed away on Sunday May 26, 2024.   Daton was a man of many talents and passions.  He loved Beverly his wife of almost 67 years, his three children, his five grandchildren, and his 13 great grandchildren.  Church was also a big part of Daton’s life; particularly singing in the choirs of four local churches for about 70 years.  Besides singing, he played guitar and stand-up bass; including with his folk music group the Hilarys (with Roger Eaton, Ron Day, and Mary Kay Day).  He enjoyed golf (two holes in one!), softball (2007 Seventies World Series Champion!) and stream fishing.  He was a consummate teacher - at APS (from 1st to 12th grade) for 28 years, swimming instructor for 25 years, and at church (adult Sunday School and Covenant Group) for 25 years.  He and Beverly enjoyed traveling in retirement, visiting Europe, New Zealand, South and Central America, Greece, Canada and all across America.

Daton was born in Board Camp, Arkansas in 1933 to William Homer Hill (d) and Beatrice Hill (d), where he and his four brothers Diven (d), Monte, Max, and Cris grew up until moving to Oak Ridge Oregon for high school.  Daton joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany for two years.  He then went to UNM where he got his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Physical Education.  He married the love of his life Beverly Thompson in 1957.  Daton is survived by his three children and their families:   son Steve Hill (and wife Lilly), son Marc Hill (and wife Lisa with grandchildren Lauren Belcher (husband Zack and great grandchildren Dillion, Nyko, Sierra, Allyah, Tristan, and Charlee) and Brian Hill (wife Megan and great grandchild Nora), and daughter Kathy Chick (grandchildren Jarryd Chick, Jason Chick (wife Megan and great grandchildren Kaladin and Vivenna) and Janaye Wolkos (husband Luke and great grandchildren Max, Griffin, Reuben, and Evelyn). In addition to his family, Daton treasured his church family, neighbors, friends, and caregivers who all held special places in his heart.

A Celebration of Daton’s Life will be held on Saturday June 8 at 10:30 am at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church (near Academy and Moon).  Daton had two favorite charities through Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church - the Good Samaritan Fund and Formation Counseling Services - which can be found at:

          Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church

          8600 Academy Rd NE

          Albuquerque, NM.  87111

          (505) 821-1993

          heightscpc.org