1906
Joseph
2004
Joseph F. Hiestand
November 28, 1906 — October 5, 2004
Joseph Franklin Hiestand, 97, of Hillsboro died Tuesday afternoon, October 5, 2004 at the Crestwood Nursing Center in Hillsboro.
A lifelong resident of Hillsboro, Joe was born November 28, 1906 in the home on the Century family farm located on US Highway 50, west of Hillsboro. He was the son of Harry C. and Ella Gabriel Hiestand, and descendent of early Highland County settler, Jacob Hiestand.
While farming was always his occupation, Joe gained national and international fame as a trap shooter. His skills in target shooting were recognized at early trapshooting competitions at the Ohio State Shoot and the Grand American. He began winning major championships in 1931, and in 1938 began a run of consecutive targets broken. His marksmanship became legendary as he attained and held for 21 years a record of 1404 consecutive registered targets without a miss. Today, Joe is one of five top record holders in the Amateur Trapshooting Association, competing in Europe, Cuba, South America, and Mexico. In 1973, Joe was inducted into the Amateur Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame.
During WWII, Joe received a commission in the Army Air Corps, and was in charge of Gunnery Training Instruction for aerial gunners. Leaving active duty at the close of WWII, he remained a member of the Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.
With his election as Highland County Commissioner 1957, Joe began a career in public service. He served two terms as Commissioner. In 1965 he was elected Representative to the Ohio General Assembly where he served for five terms.
Retirement brought Joe?s competitive spirit to a favorite pastime of golf. He competed regularly in local and national celebrity golf tournaments,
winning the Hillsboro Elks Golf Tournament Championship in 1965. He also
had a passion for flying and earned a commercial pilot rating.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Lina, and brother, Paul Hiestand, he is survived by his wife, Mary Custer Hiestand; son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Helen Hiestand of Hillsboro, daughter and son-in-law, Linda and David Dennis of Wilmington; daughter, Marilyn Hiestand of Hillsboro; Grandchildren Susan Dennis of Mason; Joe Hiestand and Janis and Mike Halteman of Columbus; Jason and Nicole Dennis of Bellbrook, and Rebecca and Andy Sexton of Dayton. Great-grandchildren, Greer and Laurel Dennis.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 11th at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church where Joe was a life long member. Pastor Chuck Shonkwiler will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillsboro Cemetery.
Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Sunday afternoon, October 10th in Hiestand Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hillsboro First United Methodist Church, 133 E Walnut Street, Hillsboro, OH 45133.
Hope Miller-Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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A lifelong resident of Hillsboro, Joe was born November 28, 1906 in the home on the Century family farm located on US Highway 50, west of Hillsboro. He was the son of Harry C. and Ella Gabriel Hiestand, and descendent of early Highland County settler, Jacob Hiestand.
While farming was always his occupation, Joe gained national and international fame as a trap shooter. His skills in target shooting were recognized at early trapshooting competitions at the Ohio State Shoot and the Grand American. He began winning major championships in 1931, and in 1938 began a run of consecutive targets broken. His marksmanship became legendary as he attained and held for 21 years a record of 1404 consecutive registered targets without a miss. Today, Joe is one of five top record holders in the Amateur Trapshooting Association, competing in Europe, Cuba, South America, and Mexico. In 1973, Joe was inducted into the Amateur Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame.
During WWII, Joe received a commission in the Army Air Corps, and was in charge of Gunnery Training Instruction for aerial gunners. Leaving active duty at the close of WWII, he remained a member of the Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.
With his election as Highland County Commissioner 1957, Joe began a career in public service. He served two terms as Commissioner. In 1965 he was elected Representative to the Ohio General Assembly where he served for five terms.
Retirement brought Joe?s competitive spirit to a favorite pastime of golf. He competed regularly in local and national celebrity golf tournaments,
winning the Hillsboro Elks Golf Tournament Championship in 1965. He also
had a passion for flying and earned a commercial pilot rating.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Lina, and brother, Paul Hiestand, he is survived by his wife, Mary Custer Hiestand; son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Helen Hiestand of Hillsboro, daughter and son-in-law, Linda and David Dennis of Wilmington; daughter, Marilyn Hiestand of Hillsboro; Grandchildren Susan Dennis of Mason; Joe Hiestand and Janis and Mike Halteman of Columbus; Jason and Nicole Dennis of Bellbrook, and Rebecca and Andy Sexton of Dayton. Great-grandchildren, Greer and Laurel Dennis.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 11th at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church where Joe was a life long member. Pastor Chuck Shonkwiler will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillsboro Cemetery.
Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Sunday afternoon, October 10th in Hiestand Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hillsboro First United Methodist Church, 133 E Walnut Street, Hillsboro, OH 45133.
Hope Miller-Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Send Private Condolences
Print Obituary
View Guest Book Entries
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