Benja P. Pillans

Benja P. Pillans, 89, died Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at an Abilene nursing center. Born at Attwell in Callahan County, Texas on June 18, 1922, Benja was the son of Nona Ann (Foster) and Benjamin P. Pillans, Sr. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served from 1942-44 and 1944-46, and part of "the greatest generation". Benja married Mildred C. Farmer on February 8, 1947 in Baird, Texas. He worked for the F.A.A. in New Orleans, Amarillo and Abilene, retiring in 1976. He was a member of Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene. His parents; seven sisters, Valarie Rouse, Opal Porter, Glenna Kirkhum, Pat Morgan, Destene Morgan, Doxie McPhearson and Ruby Moore; and two brothers, Leonard Pillans and John Coleman Pillans, preceded Benja in death. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Pillans of Abilene; son, Reggie Pillans of Cisco; daughter, Denese Thetford of Ropesville, Texas; two sisters, Roxie Fletcher of Cross Plains and Nona Belote of Cross Plains; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 9, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. David Cason officiating. Burial will follow in Eula Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Joby Pillans, Skyler Thetford, Tanner Rogers, Julian Pillans, Tom Windham, Leon Chittum and Scott Fletcher. Memorial contributions may be made to Broadview Baptist Church, 2500, South 27th Street, Abilene, TX 79605, or Eula Cemetery Association, 5930 FM 603, Clyde, TX 79510.