Fredrick "Dean" Hillis, 87, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at a Topeka hospital. He was born February 27, 1936 in Emporia, the son of John Howard and Hazel (Grimmett) Hillis.

Dean was an Army Veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was employed as an Engineering Technician for the Kansas Department of Transportation for over 40 years before retiring.

Dean married Elaine Kotapish on February 23, 1963 in Blue Rapids, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include children, Scott (Michelle) Hillis of Clayton, Ohio, Stacey (Randy) Elskamp of Topeka, three grandchildren, Ashley, Madison and Alec, his sister, Edna “Trudy” Marcotte of Texas and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his six siblings, Kenneth, Cork, Ralph, Donnie, Marge, and Homer.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2023 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. Dean will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the funeral home with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604-3720.

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