Robert L. Hillegass age 82 of Garrett, IN died Sunday, October 20, 2013 at his home. He was born September 8, 1931 in Altona, IN to Franklin M. and Della Mae (Tindal) Hillegass. He married Joan B. Windle in Kendallville, IN on December 6, 1958. Robert was a lifetime Garrett resident. He was an Air Force veteran. He retired from the Penn Central/Conrail Railroad after working 35 years as a railroad engineer. Robert was a member of the Fort Wayne American Legion and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Club. Robert is survived by 2 daughters: Margaret "Peggy" (Ron) Snyder of Springfield, OH and Barbara (Craig) Strock of Garrett , IN; 1 son: Robert (Amy) Hillegass of Waterloo, IN; 2 brothers, Guy Hillegass of Avilla, IN and Charles Hillegass of Garrett, IN; 2 sisters, Alma Riehm of Kendallville, IN; Mary Lou Edsall of Auburn, IN; 6 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by both parents, his wife: Joan Hillegass, 1 brother: Franklin "Junior" Hillegass, 3 sisters: Roberta Byers, Dorothy Griffin, and Helen Bunn, 1 Great Grandson: Nicholas Hillegass. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 5 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 County Road 56, Garrett, IN with Pastor Dan White officiating. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Thomas Funeral Home and also 1 hour prior to services on Thursday. Memorials are to Air Force Museum Foundation.