Reynold Ben Hillegeist, 80, of Houston, passed away on December 1, 2021.
He was born March 15, 1941, in Houston to Ben HIllegeist and Leona
(Wunderlich) Hillegeist. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary
Brockschmidt, in 1961. They were married for 60 beautiful, love-filled
years. Together they had two daughters, Marcia and Karen, and one son,
Gregory. He loved his children deeply and was incredibly proud of them in
all they did. He supported and encouraged them in all their endeavors and
was overjoyed in their faith in Christ.
Reynold attended Lutheran High School in Houston where he graduated
valedictorian in 1958. He started college at Concordia Lutheran College in
Austin for one year and then decided to transfer to The University of
Houston, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in
Chemical Engineering. He was a charter member of Tau Beta Pi engineering
honor society at U of H. The summer before his senior year in college, he
began working for Humble Oil and Refining Company. Reynold was
employed his entire career with Exxon where, for forty-one years, he
worked in many roles as a Chemical Engineer, retiring in 2003 after a
fulfilling career. He was never one to sit still for long, so he continued to
work for an additional 10 years with Precise Engineering. Reynold
remained active as a Professional Engineer and was a member of the
American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Reynold was a sincere follower of Jesus and never deviated from his faith.
He attended Our Savior Lutheran Church as a child and, when married,
attended Trinity Lutheran Church downtown until they were transferred to
New Orleans. While at Trinity, he served as the President of the
Congregation for a time. After Reynold returned to Houston from another
transfer to Los Angeles, he attended Lakewood Church, where he was a
long-time member. He was a dedicated volunteer there, serving as a lead
usher and tirelessly helping many hundreds with their tax returns by
serving on the Tax Team. He gave of his time happily to all who were in
need at any time he was called upon. It was truly his joy to serve others.
He was a true servant-leader.
Reynold was a beloved granddaddy to five grandchildren and a
great-granddaddy to four great-grandchildren. His grandchildren were the
light in his eyes. He spent countless hours playing with them, usually on
the floor of their room, accompanying them on any and all adventures,
taking them on walks to the park, on excursions, escorting them fishing,
and supporting them at all academic and athletic events and ceremonies.
He so loved them, and it completely showed in the way he spent his time.
Reynold was kind and sincere to all who knew him. He always tried to look
for the best in everyone. He was humble, gracious, loving, and
tenderhearted. His whole life was a testimony to the person of Jesus in the
way he lived. His highest priority was knowing Jesus and sharing Jesus'
love to his wife, family, friends, and all with whom he came in contact.
The Lord's faithfulness and goodness were evident over Reynold's long and
beautiful life.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, daughters, Marcia Hillegeist and
Karen Green, son Gregory and wife Kate Hillegeist, grandchildren Ashleigh
and husband Jeremy Nichols, ElleAnna, Evangeline, Evan, and Emerie
Hillegeist, great-grandchildren, Lavin and Elity Harmon, Chloe and
Charlotte Nichols, sister Lois and brother-in-law John Lange, sister Elaine
and brother-in-law Dick Barbee, sister Sharon and brother-in-law Mike
Holmes, nieces Theresa and husband Greg Watson, Rebecca Lange, Tonya
and husband Scott Kirkpatrick, Rhonda and husband Jim Newkirk, Cherié
and husband Paxton Peyton, nephew Tobin Synatschk and wife Melissa, and
many great nieces and nephews.