“He loved unconditionally”
“Jack”, our beloved father passed away Friday, September 3rd at 83 years of age. He was a man of passion. He had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which guided every aspect of his life. He was completely consumed with love for his beautiful bride, June. He felt that he was lucky to have her in his life, and spent every day proving that to her. A strong compassionate, loving father to the children God gave him, Phil, Dawn and Tim. A father to Chris & Caroline, who wandered across his path and he decided to call his own. When he became a grandfather & great grandfather, his love, pride and ability to spoil, reached unparalleled heights. They were his true joy.
“Art” loved sports, but he loved the relationships it builds more. He considered it a gift being able to be a part of or helping guide teens to becoming young adults. Sure he was happy when they went on to play at the next level, but his pride came from them becoming good people, thoughtful parents and loving spouses. He could be a taskmaster, but could melt a player’s worries away with one of his bear hugs, leaving no doubt that he was here for them.
“Coach” taught for 45 years. He and June spent two years working in the Mexico School District, where he coached Football & Baseball. They then moved to Affton, where he would remain for 31 years, coaching Football, Basketball, Wrestling & Baseball. He was also an Athletic Trainer. In the fall of 1992, he would rejoin June at Lutheran South. He would stay for 14 years, coaching Football, Track & Baseball. When he retired from teaching the second time, he went to go coach with two of his best friends at Washington University. He was an assistant for four years. In the fall of 2007, he returned to Affton, as a volunteer assistant coach and trainer.
“Jack” is preceded in death by June, his beloved wife of 54 years, his parents Oscar and Verna, and his three brothers: Melvin, Laclede(“Buster”) and Danial. He is survived by his two sisters, Joyce Clark (Howard) and Sue Plaxco (Jerry), sisters-in-law Eva (Melvin), Pat Buzzanga (Jim) and brothers-in-law Jim Brandt (Carla) and Steven Joseph (Phyllis). He leaves behind children Phil (Cheryl), Dawn, Tim (Stacey), Chris (Becky) and Caroline (Laree), grandchildren Dan (Annie), Joshua (Jenny), Caleb, Nate, Nick, Tyler, Noah and Pepper, and great Grandson Micah. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends,…too many to count.
Due to COVID protocols, the funeral is open only to immediate family. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Affton Football (Brunette) Field at 6pm, September 18, 2021, which is open to all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers: the family asks for any donations to be made to the Art Hill Dedication Scholarship, through the Affton Educational Foundation.
Mail checks to Affton High School:
8309 Mackenzie Road
Affton, Mo. 63123
Checks should be made out to: Affton Education Foundation
List in the memo: C/O Art Hill Dedication Scholarship
My sincerest condolences to the Hill family.
Coach Hill was a great presence at Affton. I did not have the pleasure to know him as some of those that he coached, but felt his genuine caring and support for Affton’s students. I can hear him in my head, nearly 40 years later to stay off the purple in street shoes. The few visits I made to my alma mater, I looked at my feet before walking in the gym. It takes a special human being to teach and guide youth and he was one of the best.
Coach. Hill you’ll be missed by family and friends and people that you coached for years and years we all love you Godspeed you’ll be with your wife that you love
I can’t imagine Affton without Coach. Although, with his family and all the people who love him so, Affton isn’t without him. He had such a presence about him that drew people to him. It wasn’t until long after high school that I realized it was his faith. Heaven has gained an amazing angel. The Hill family and the Affton community are in my thoughts and prayers.
Coach Hill is one of the very few teachers that I remember during my High School experience, which was almost 30 years ago. I remember him as being extremely kind, genuine and fair. My prayers to the family. I pray that God provides you with comfort, peace and restoration in your time of grief. God Bless you always.
Chaundrea Reed (Fluker) (Class of 1992)
My sincerest sympathy at a time of so many emotions..A man that truly served his Lord first and the rest fell into place..
Too many stories to tell… but I did receive my first red maker on my nose for talking in class ( Health 7th grade)
My husband Jim had the honor to be coached by Art… Then later on coached with him at Affton… pranks.. pranks and more pranks.
Bear hugs, laughter, loyal and true .. that is what I will always remember of you.
A legend in the hearts of many.
♥️
Love and God’s Grace,
Kathy Hoots
Affton 1968
Coach, it’s a blow that you have left us, but if anyone deserves that rest and that peace that surpasses all understanding, it is you.
You were an enricher of lives both as a teacher and a coach, and how blessed we all were to have crossed paths.
I hope you are already making Dave Boehle and Ryan Cross run laps up there.
Coach you will be missed so much you were a awesome man on the field and off. I was not into sports in school but enjoyed coming to the field and watching the games. You will forever be in our hearts your going home to be with your wife and the good Lord who loves you so much.
My deepest sympathies to the Hill family and to all who knew him. My life was richly blessed by him and I am a richer man for having known him. While we mourn our loss, I rejoice for Heaven’s gain. Thank you, Coach Hill for your legacy, your love of family, and faith and devotion to serve our Risen Savior!
Interesting the week that Coach Art Hill from Affton High School passed away, Art Hill in Forest Park was draped with thousands of American Flags, beautiful fountains and spotlights. A spectacular view.
My deepest sympathies to you and the peace and comfort of God upon you as you mourn the loss of this man. He has left an indelible mark on the community and school district he served and all those whose lives he touched.
Thanks Coach Hill for your years of service to your players, including me, and to the community.
I send my sincere condolences with prayers for the family.
What a legacy Coach leaves! It was a privilege to witness his Christian life both inside and outside his local church community. He was CONSISTENT in godly character. This was a gift to me as a young woman, and his authentic faith in Jesus is a gift that I continue to treasure.
I celebrate Coach Hill.
What does one say?
We have both been there.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Rick and Ginia