Ralph Eugene Hilligas, 52 of Cadiz, Ohio passed Saturday, Sept. 12, at Trinity West. He was born Sept. 17, 1962, a son of Wilma Hutton Hilligas Matusik of Cadiz and the late Ralph Paul Hilligas.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. George Hilligas and Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Hutton; nephew, Tommy (Tank) Hilligas; step-dad, John Matusik; brothers: John (Becky) and Walter (Linda) Matusik; and a brother-in-law, Richard Greenwood.
Surviving in addition to his mother; his sister, Lena Hilligas Greenwood; brothers: James (Roberta) Hilligas, Bernie (Bonnie), Bobby (Marie), Danny (Denise), Roger (Karen) and Tommy (Lisa) Matusik; nephews: Paul (Meghan) Hilligas, Jeffery Greenwood, Paul Matusik, Rob (Kelly) Matusik, Ronnie Matusik; nieces: Amy (Scott) Morrison, Paulette (Rob) Ledfors, Natalie (Richard) Bolock, Rhonda (Kip) Needler; great nieces and nephews: Rachel, Victoria, Toby, Cale, Tessa, Zack, Katie, Abby, Maddy, Elizabeth, Stephen, Jenna, Josh, Ciara, Alexis, R.J., Ricky, Todd, Tammy, Jackie, Velvett, Kimberly, Michael, Becky Lynn, Lori and Chrissy.
Gene graduated from Cadiz High School, attended college at the Ohio State University where he graduated with a professional surveying degree among numerous other degrees. He was employed at Myers Surveying in Columbus for 28 years. In addition Gene had his own company, Hilligas Surveying LLC in Cadiz.
He was a member of the Republican Committee, Cadiz Lions Club, on the Sally Buffalo Park Board in Cadiz and Boys Club of America in Columbus. Gene was a member of the Flushing Masonic Lodge #298 where he served as past Master, Past District Education Officer, Plural Member of Harrison Lodge #219, Past District Committeeman for Grand Lodge of Ohio, Plural member of Ionic Lodge #438 in Bellaire, York Rite Bellaire Chapter #107, York Rite Bellaire Council #87 and Scottish Rite, Cambridge.
Calling hours will be held Friday, Sept. 18 from 2-8 at Presbyterian Church of Cadiz, 154 West Market Street, Cadiz where funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, Ohio. Masonic services will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Student Scholarship Fund.