Hildreth Ronald Kightlinger, known to his family and friends as Hix, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on January 10, 2025, just three days after his 85th birthday. His brief but valiant fight with bone cancer did not rob him of his optimistic spirit or endless hope.

Born to Ronald and Elizabeth Kightlinger on January 7, 1940, in Warren, Ohio, Hix was a happy and carefree child.  The family moved to California when Hix was four.  Hix described growing up in friendly neighborhoods where he and his parents knew everyone. His childhood sparkled with memories of his three siblings Sandra, Bob, and Mary. He loved playing cowboy, getting a cap gun one Christmas, and being the first family on the block to have a television. Weekends were spent working hard on the house and going to Rams games at the Coliseum with his dad. Industrious at a young age, Hix took on a paper route and won a trip to San Francisco for selling the most subscriptions.

Hix's teenage years in the Valley were very special to him. He attended Van Nuys High School and had fond memories of working on cars and cruising up and down Van Nuys boulevard with his friends.  Hix worked in the bakery at Culver's Bull Pen, at Sears department store, and on occasional electrical projects on set at Warner Brothers with his dad.

He enlisted in the Navy after high school graduation.  His experience included time on the USS Norton Sound as well as being stationed on San Nicholas Island off the coast of California. In years to come Hix would attribute his punctuality, neatness, and discipline to his time in the Navy.

Following his service Hix worked briefly in the liquor and grocery business at Fox's Liquors in Van Nuys and managed a grocery liquor department, but ultimately found himself in the construction industry as a project manager.  He would work for over fifty years in construction.  He was very proud of his career and built all variety of structures including homes, restaurants, hotels, and businesses.  Hix loved to stop by his old projects to see how they were still being used.  It brought him great joy to help create a building that would be enjoyed for years to come.

Hix's greatest pleasure was his family.  His daughter Carolyn and son Chris made Hix a dad. He took great pride in being involved and seeing them grow. It was on a business trip to Arizona that Hix first met Diana who would become the love of his life.  Hix and Diana shared a fondness for each other that is hard to match.  They also shared a love for Christ that bonded them together in faith. Fatherhood came again with daughter Georgette.  Hix was always a loving, attentive, and fun dad. He enjoyed teaching his children about life and sports and was always available with a listening ear. He included his kids in his work and made job sites fascinating to visit. Hix adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren who always brought him so much delight.

Visiting Sequoia National Forest and seeing the giant redwoods filled Hix with wonder.  He was also fond of taking the occasional trip to Disneyland—Mainstreet was a happy place for him. Watching NFL on Sundays remained one of his favorite pastimes as well.

A man who had a smile for everyone, Hix was known for his optimism, work ethic, and genuine love for others.  He never tired in providing for his family and was still working in the early weeks of December.  His desire to take care of those he loved always motivated him.

Hix is survived by his wife Diana, sister Sandra, children Carolyn, Chris, and Georgette, grandchildren Margaret, Davey, and Ayla, and great-grandchildren Brooklynn and Astrid.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM at McCormick and Son Mortuaries, 25000 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM at El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest. Reception will follow.