Edward J. Hilsher Jr. was born October 9, 1924, in La Grange, Texas, to parents, Edward John and Magdalene Hilsher. He passed into our Lord's care on August 20, 2011. Edward graduated from Schulenburg High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served in the Pacific in the 312th Bombardment Group as an aerial gunner. He returned home after the war and attended Southwest Texas State Teacher's College where he met his future bride, Billie Jean Roberson. Ed later received his Master's degree from Trinity University in San Antonio. He worked at Hondo Air Base as a flight dispatcher for the cadets training there before he became a science teacher at Lacy School with Hondo ISD. He later became principal for Lacy School and went on to become principal for McDowell Middle School until his retirement. For him, teaching wasn't a job as much as it was a calling. His students respected him and admired his sense of humor. He was also a rancher and really enjoyed looking after his cattle. He also looked after his family lovingly, and liked to gather everyone up and go traveling together somewhere. He enjoyed life and lived it fully. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, VFW Post 3891, and Hal Jones American Legion Post 128. He has left a lasting positive impact on the lives he touched. Edward is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Billie Jean (Roberson) Hilsher; son, Jeffrey Wayne Hilsher; sister, Edith Baresh; and brother, James Hilsher. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Lynn Darnell and husband Thomas R.; son, Edward J. Hilsher III and wife Mary Elizabeth, all of Hondo; granddaughters, Rebecca Hilsher, Kathleen E. Hilsher and Sarah Hilsher; grandsons, Justin Darnell, John V. Hilsher, Jonathan C. Hilsher, and Matthew Hilsher; sisters, Dolores Blanar, Gerry Brown, Patsy Saum and Evelyn Schuchert. Visitation was from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service was at 10 a.m., Friday, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, followed by interment at 1:45 p.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Honorary bearers were Justin Darnell, Jonathan Hilsher, John V. Hilsher, and Matthew Hilsher. Casket bearers were Jimmy Baresh, Roger Baresh, Charles Brown, Larry Brown, Gary Hilsher, Arthur Schuchert, Charlie Britsch, and Doug Peters. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the charity of one's choice.