Wilbur Eugene "Chip" Hillen, Jr.

Wilbur Eugene Hillen Jr, better known as “Chip”, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, following a car accident. A beloved husband, dad, papa/pap, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend, he was born in Connellsville, PA on January 20, 1949.

His family moved to Erie in 1963 and he graduated from McDowell High School in 1967. He proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968, served two tours in Viet Nam, and completed his service in 1972. He then began his three decades long tool & die career as an apprentice at Kathmann Tool & Die. He continued on at Hytech Tool, Matrix Tool, then Penn-Erie Division. He then started a new venture as a Special Education Assistant, and retired from the Millcreek Township School District, where he happily worked with the Special Education students for several years. Chip enjoyed volunteer work in the Radio Ministry at the Federated Church of East Springfield where he attended regularly. He also volunteered at the WLD Ranch where he served as a board member and assisted with many projects around the camp. He was a member/officer on the Erie VA Medical Center Behavioral Health Council, and served on the Millcreek Police Department Diversion Committee.

He was married to the love of his life, Sheila Arthurs Hillen, for 53 years. They had 4 children, Shane (Angie), Brian (Missy), Breanne (Sean), and Heather (Rick). He fiercely loved his 10 grandchildren, Cole, Blake, Talia, Fiona, Giavanna, Jacob, Robbie, Micah, Addison, and Hailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Hillen Sr (Web) and Allien Burkhardt Hillen.

Friends and loved ones can celebrate Chip’s life at his favorite place on earth, the WLD Ranch on Thursday, August 13th. Visitation will be from 2-5pm, with military honors beginning promptly at 5pm. A memorial service and dinner will immediately follow. In keeping with the spirit of this celebration, we invite you to join us in wearing cheerful colors that match the same joy that Chip brought to our lives.

Chip loved to make others laugh, and couldn’t resist a good joke. People were naturally drawn to him, and he used that as a way to minister to them. He was loved deeply, and will be missed immensely, yet we find comfort knowing that his body is whole again, and he is walking with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WLD Ranch, 7351 Woolsey Road, Girard PA, 16417 or the VA Behavioral Health Council, PO BOX 11334, Erie, PA 16514.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St. Erie, PA 16506.