Evan R. Hillegass

Evan R. Hillegass, 88, of Bedford, died on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Donahoe Manor Nursing Home. He was born on January 3, 1934, in Bard, a son of the late Emmens M. and Leda (Mowry) Hillegass. Evan was preceded in death by wives Helen (Kerr) Hillegass, Mae (Burkett) Hillegass and Gail (Calhoun) Hillegass.  He is survived by the following family: two sons, David Hillegass and wife Sharon of Harrisburg, and Terry Hillegass and companion Sherry of Bedford;  three step-daughters: Shirley Mock Bakken and husband LaVerne of Manns Choice, Yvonne Mock Toth and husband Bob of Windber, Tina Lewis and husband Albert of GA; and a step-son, Randy Diehl of GA; eight grandchildren:  Shelly, Galen, Devan, Tara, Tammy, Amber, Dustin, and Kerry; nine great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren:  Jennifer, April, Courtney, Zachary, Ashley, Amanda, and Jonathan; two step-great-grandchildren; one brother Ron "Tank" Hillegass and wife Vicki of Manns Choice and many nieces and nephews.  Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his step-mother Dorothy (Geller) Hillegass; one daughter Paula Hillegass; two sons Galen and Barry Hillegass; one brother Wayne Hillegass and wife Irene; one sister Lila Whetstone and husband Roger; and a grandson Shawn Hillegass.

Evan was a 1950 graduate of Schellsburg-Napier High School and was of the Christian faith. He retired after 30 years with Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown and during that time he also worked at the Bedford Elks.  Together with his second wife Mae they owned and operated Mae’s Diner on Mile Level, and Mae’s stand at the Bedford County Fair. He was co-owner and helped operate EvaJen Concessions for many years at the Bedford Speedway, and had concessions at the Bedford County Auction and other auctions and events around the county. Evan enjoyed traveling and even took his parents on a cross country excursion to Scottsdale, AZ in his motorhome.  He also traveled for many years with the Lazy Bee Camping Club.  Evan spent his last years living in Bedford with his son Terry. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Pastor Kelly Hillegass officiating.  Burial will be private. Friends will be received on Tuesday, from 4 - 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.