Leo “Spreadman” Hill, age 81, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 3, 2021.
He was born at home in Connersville, on January 2, 1940 to James and Freda Hill. He spent his childhood and teen years in Milton. He ran track for Milton High School, where he graduated in 1960. He was also employed at the Milton gas station. After high school, Leo took up the family occupation of being a painter, working for contractors in the Richmond area. On July 20, 1968, he married Katherine Jean Towler in Springersville. Leo and Kathy enjoyed purchasing homes and fixing them up together. Leo continued to help on projects for family and his own home, long after he stopped painting. He quite enjoyed being a “supervisor.”
Leo enjoyed playing cards, and he had mastered his poker face. He spent many weekend nights at the Mecca cardroom in Connersville, where he earned the nickname “Spreadman.” Leo frequently went camping with his family when his daughters were young. He enjoyed cooking; baking; sitting at the park feeding the squirrels; getting a coke and sitting at a restaurant; and watching the news, old westerns, and war movies. Leo’s influence and unique catchphrases will forever be etched in the minds of those he loved.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Katherine Hill of Connersville; daughters: Carletta Harris of Connersville, Tina (Lee) Hampton of Richmond, Michelle Hill of Indianapolis; brother: Donnie (Sue) Hill of Kentucky; uncle: Bud Rees of Noblesville; grandchildren: Jennifer (Donnie) Ellison, Tiffany (Grover) Kirkland all of Maryville, Tennessee, Le’Tia Hampton (Aaron) of Indianapolis, Maddison (Brian) Barnes of Warsaw, Morgan (Cody) Sparks of Greensburg, Whitney Hampton (Shannon) of Indianapolis, Tylee Hampton (Taylor) of Richmond, Mariah (Brendan) Granger of Connersville; twelve great-grand children; one great-great grandchild; two great-grandchildren on the way; several nieces and nephews.
Leo is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Richard Hill; sisters: Stella Bell, Margie George, Naomi Remmler; son-in-law: Darrell Harris.
A funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Friends may visit the funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice.