John Randolph Hilford

After a valiant battle with cancer, John peacefully entered into the presence of His Savior on Sunday, July 11, 2021, surrounded by family in his home.

John is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Barbara; along with their five children, including daughter Karen Warin (husband Leroy) along with daughter Becca Bartley (husband Justin), and son Nick Warin; son Docc Hilford along with daughter Peyton Hilford; daughter Tracy Coffing (husband Dale) along with sons Brandon Coffing (wife Ariel), Michael Coffing (wife Veronica), and Adam Coffing (wife Jenna), and daughter Kim Stidworthy (husband Garrett); daughter Stephanie Danielson along with daughters Amber Rasmussen (husband Jason), Meagan Kelt (husband Jeremy), and Katelyn Danielson; and daughter Jackie Homet Garrity along with daughters Emily and Casey Garrity. In addition to this, John was blessed to have 19 great grandchildren, to date who were a huge source of joy in his life.

John was born on September 20, 1935 in New Orleans to Johnston Randolph Hilford and Rose Josephine Nagel. At just 13 years of age he began playing football in 7th grade and discovered he had a talent for the sport that enabled him to play for the Army in 1954, and at Western Illinois University in 1958. Because he loved football so much, in later years, he continued in coaching roles and even served as head coach for a semi-pro team in Albuquerque.

John's passion moved from football to golf, although he was never able to convince any of his five children to follow this path! He did perfect his own swing and eventually convinced several of his grandchildren to let him offer them his guidance in learning to play. John played for years himself and could be found in later years glued to the TV, following his favorite golf pros.

John's life also included a love of teaching and reaching at-risk students as well as incarcerated youth. In later years, his decision to put his faith in God gave him a new sense of purpose. He truly wanted these youth to know that God loved them and could bring the hope for real change in their lives. On many occasions, young adults would come back to him and tell him he had been their greatest positive influence ever. This greatly blessed him.

Simply put, John loved people and everyone knew it. He will be remembered most for his fondness of telling stories, especially if you had already heard the story before! Everyone loved to laugh with him over this. John brought joy, humor and love to this world, and he will be lovingly remembered by all as he is now enjoying being in the presence of his Savior.

We will see you again John!

In lieu of flower charitable donations may be made to the Navigators for
Karen Warin https://www.navigators.org/staff/22081855/
Dale Coffing https://www.navigators.org/staff/23743131/

Services will be held at FRENCH-Wyoming Chapel on July 14, at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow.