Hilman Dewayne Studler

Hilman DeWayne Studler, 89, of Winona, Missouri, passed away on April 22, 2023, peacefully in his home. He was born on June 12, 1933, to Robert W. and Helen Studler in Columbus, Indiana. Hilman graduated from Columbus High School in 1951 and entered the United States Air Force. After serving 16 years in the Air Force, he transferred to the United State Army until he retired. While serving in the Air Force he was deployed to Vietnam and received a bronze star for his service. He then transferred to the Army, and was sent back to Vietnam and received another bronze star. He served a total of 3 ? years in Vietnam. Hilman retired from the Army on January 4, 1972, with the rank of Warrant Officer II, totaling twenty-one years of service to his country. On his return from the armed forces, he longed to continue his education. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Oklahoma State University. His career path reflected his enthusiasm for knowledge, education, and teaching. He taught education in Oklahoma until he retired in 1995.

Hilman was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen; one sister, Dorothy Spalding; one daughter, Cynthia Sheppard; and one stepson, Jeffrey Norton. He is survived by his wife of the home, Tillie; three children, Daniel J. (Rose) Studler of Lawton, OK, Elizabeth A. (Dave) Penkauskas of McKinney, TX, and Dianna Sue (Dewayne) Horner of Enid, OK; five step-children, James Norton of Winona, MO, Lisa (Randy) Bland of Winona, MO, Jock (Cynthia) Thompson of Nixa, MO, Leslie Edwards of Lacey, WA, and Danita Thompson of Edmond, OK; and one sister, Freida Fleck of Columbus, IN. Hilman was a grandfather to Daniel J. Studler Jr., Stephen J. Studler, Elizabeth Duncan, Ricky Duncan Jr., Elijah Duncan, Angela S. (Billy) Hunter, David G. Pendauskas II, Danielle (Henry) Luna, Leanne (Quinton) Benson, and Allen Schafer. He also had 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed fishing, going to the casino with Tillie, and his family. He was an amazing man with a kind and generous heart, always the first to offer to help. Hilman was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Houston, Missouri. He loved serving in the military and defending his country. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him and the many lives he touched. There will be a memorial service where he will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, at a later date. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.