Gary Leslie Hilliker, 70, formerly of Wellington, died Thursday, May 24, 2012 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born in Oberlin on July 20, 1941 to Howard and Frieda (nee Tudor) Hilliker. Gary graduated from the Wellington School Sytsem in 1959. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Shelton College and his Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. Gary also received an Honorary Doctorate from El Colegio Universitario Bautista in Puerto Rico. Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wellington, Ohio until he moved to Grand Rapids and became a member of the Northland Baptist Chruch. In 1966 Gary and his wife were accepted as missionaries to Venezuela with Baptist Mid Missions where they served for15 years. He was then invited to serve as the General Director of Editorial Bautista Independiente, Baptist Mid-Mission's Spanish publishing house in Florida for 15 years and then became the Director of International Development for 11 years. He enjoyed playing his trumpet with the Highlands County Concert Band. As a hobby he performed as a clown known as Bubbles and participated in various parades and parties. He also entertained many groups with his magic skills. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Bernice (nee Angelico); sons, Brian (Janet), of Grand Rapids, MI and Wayne (Erin) of Tuolumne,CA; grandchildren, Brian, Garrett, Austin and Amanda; siblings, Linda (Ted) Hyde and Don (Glenda) Hilliker,and several nieces and nephews. Gary is also survived by his mother, Frieda Hilliker. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard, his paternal grandparents, John and Velma Hilliker and his maternal grandparents, William and Lella Tudor. Friends and family will be received on Sunday, May 27 from 4-6 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St, Wellington. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Wellington, 125 Grand Ave, with Rev. Thomas Alexander officiating. A private burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts will be received by First Baptist Church of Wellington and distributed to ministries to which Gary had been a part.