John Michael Hillenbrand

John Michael Hillenbrand, 35, of Lake Charles, La., died on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 in a local hospital following a sudden illness.

Mr. Hillenbrand was born in Akron, Ohio, and moved to Boston in 1996 before moving to Lake Charles in 2001. He was a graduate of North High School in Akron, Ohio. He attended Bowling Green State University, Ohio State University, and also McNeese State University. Mr. Hillenbrand was the manager of Gap for 10 years. He was a past member of the Krewe of Illusions.

He was an avid comic book collector and had a passion for reading. He was an artist.

Those left to cherish his memories are his partner, Scott Higginbotham of Lake Charles; parents, Mary and John Hillenbrand of North Canton, Ohio; a sister, Marla Martell and husband Michael of North Canton, Ohio; a brother, Donald Hillenbrand and wife Paula of Canton, Ohio; nieces and nephews, William Martell of North Canton, Ohio, John W. Hillenbrand of Canton, Ohio, Courtney and Tyler Ashby, and Aiden Brooks, all of Lake Charles; his mother-in-law, Melba Higginbotham of Lake Charles; an uncle and aunt, Fred and Phyllis Mae Bride of Port Clinton, Ohio; an aunt and uncle, Milton and Janet Jackson of Akron, Ohio; his best friend, Julie Clark Ireland of Fort Myers, Fla.; his two dogs, Bailey and Devon; and his extended family at the Gap.

A celebration of John's life will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Pavilion at Falls River Square, 2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Rev. Nancy Humes will officiate. Per John's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, La. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service.