Obituary: Edward ‘Cowboy’ Hills III, 56, of Middletown

From Biega Funeral Home

Edward ‘Cowboy’ Hills III, 56, of Middletown, beloved husband of Andrea (Twombly) Hills, passed away on September 1, 2016 at Water’s Edge Health Care Facility.

Ed was born in Middletown, CT on March 29, 1960, and was the son of Edward Hills Jr. and Sadie (Walden) Hills. Ed graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1979 where he played football and was a member of the Mattabassett FFA. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Middletown for 19 years.

Ed was a very hard-working man. When not at his day job, he enjoyed spending time working on his farm in the Maromas section of Middletown. He was a big man with an even bigger heart and generous nature. He will be remembered for his tremendous love of family, friends, animals, and passion for agriculture.

He was a supporter of local 4H youth activities, vocational agriculture programs, and county fairs. He could often be found at the fairs pulling horses, watching tractor pulls, and laughing with friends. He often provided animal transport for any kids that did not have the means of doing so. Ed was a member of the Connecticut Draft Horse Association, and owned and loved many draft horses over the years. He also actively participated in other equine events including team penning, sorting, and ranch activities. He was the co-founder of Connecticut Ranch Horse Association.

Ed is survived by his wife, Andrea (Twombly) Hills, his sons Joseph, Ronald and Robert; his sister Ellen Johnson and her husband Guy, and brother-in-law Tom McBrien. He is also survived by two grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and great friends. He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Sadie (Walden) Hills, and his sister, Roseanne McBrien.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday (Sept. 10th) at 1 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Friends may call on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Middlesex-New Haven 4H Youth Programs, PO Box 70, Haddam, CT 06438 or Hartford County 4H Horse Camp, 247 South Rd, Marlborough, CT 06447.

Honorary and memorial contributions can be made to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC), Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Road, Room 419, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4907.

To leave online condolences, visit Biega Funeral Home here.