Funeral services for Donald Wayne "Dude" Hill, 75, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with Bro. Kirby Hill and Dr. James Frazier officiating. Interment will follow in the Rice Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the service begins at 2:00 p.m.

Donald Wayne "Dude" Hill, 75, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2019.

Donald, known affectionately by most as Dude, was born on December 12, 1943 in New Willard, Texas and passed away on October 10, 2019 in Livingston, Texas.  Dude is preceded in death by his parents John Amos and Ludie Hill and brother Turner Hill.

Dude is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Ann Hawkins Hill; daughter and son-in law- Amy and Chris Mullins of Lufkin, son and daughter-in law, Chad and Mary Hill of Livingston; grandchildren Morgan Mullins, of Houston, Mason Mullins of Lufkin, Zane Hill of Denton, and Maci Grace Hill of Livingston. The grandchildren adored their Papa Dude and they were the light of his life. Other survivors include brother, Billy Hill of Livingston; brother, Aubrey Hill and wife, D'Ann of Silsbee; sister, Mona Rae Marsh of Livingston; and sister, Velma Gibson and husband, Earl of Livingston. Dude is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends.

Donald grew up in the New Willard community just north of Livingston. As a little boy, he would follow the carpenters around as they were building and pick up the scraps and wooden blocks to play with.  The carpenters gave him the nickname "Dude."

Dude graduated from Livingston High School in 1963 where he played on the Lions Football team and was named All-School Favorite.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Ann.  They were married on November 24, 1967 at the First United Methodist Church in Livingston.

Dude served his country for six years in the US Army Reserves.  He enjoyed the simple things in life.  He loved to deer hunt and be outdoors.  He enjoyed feeding and watching wildlife, especially the raccoons that lived in their neighborhood who eagerly waited for him to feed them each evening. Dude loved spending time with family and friends and cherished visits from his grandchildren.

Dude was a kind and gentle soul.  He was quick to love and slow to anger.  He was friendly, and he never met a stranger.  He was tender-hearted and would never turn his back on anyone who needed help.  He was funny, quick-witted and could tell a joke or story better than anyone.  Dude lived a positive life and always found a way to shed a positive light on any situation.  He found joy in the little blessings in life and he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Papa Dude and friend.

Pallbearers will be Scott Hargraves, Don Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, Zane Hill, Ronnie Huett, Bernard Kuzniarek, Chris Mullins, Mason Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Bush, Brad Edmonds, Clarke Evans, Clarence Floyd, Otto Hawkins Jr., Don Marsh, Don Eric Marsh, Mark Marsh, Willie Mayes, Ben Royden Ogletree, Johnathan Ogletree, Marcus Walker and Robert McLaurin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Livingston, Helping Hands, Livingston High School Alumni Association, or the Rice Cemetery Association.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com