Hal L. Brightbill, 66, of Ashland, Ohio passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, in the loving arms of his wife, Carrie, in the comfort of his home.

On December 27, 1950 Hal was born to Richard and Laura Brightbill. He was a 1969 graduate of Hillsdale High School. He resided in Ashland where he raised his family. He proudly served 21 years in the Army National Guard where he earned the rank of Staff Sargent and served in the first deployment of Desert Storm in 1991. He was employed by Tappan for 9 years and then worked for Ashland Precision Tooling (formerly The Timken Company) for over 30 years.
He had a passion for the outdoors including farming, hunting, fishing and camping. For many years, he enjoyed watching his sons play sports and coaching them in baseball.  He took special pride in driving his John Deere tractors, serving in the military and spending time with his friends, family and grandchildren. His favorite pastimes included working on the Brightbill family farms, tinkering in his barn, lounging in his recliner watching his favorite old western movies and outings with friends and family.

On June 2, 2012, he married Carrie Geither who survives him. Also surviving are his siblings: Kay (Jim Ruley), Jocelyn (Dick) Jones, Larry and Ted (Penny) Brightbill, sons Rick (Jamie), Danny (Whitney) Joey (Ashley) Brightbill, step-sons Michael and Chuck Geither and grandchildren: Carter, Clair, Hudson and Harrison Brightbill. He is preceded in death by his parents.

We are thankful for the life lessons, work ethic and physical and mental strength he instilled upon his family, especially within the last six months of his life. His laid back and genuine personality, and the unique ways he loved and cared for his family will be greatly missed.


Calling hours will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 4pm-8pm and funeral services will be on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Fickes Funeral Home, 84 N High Street, Jeromesville, Ohio  44840 with Pastor Janet Chilcote officiating
Burial will be in Vermillion Cemetery at Hayesville where the Ashland Color Guard will perform military rites. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at Saint Michael's Lutheran Church, 26 Maine Street, Mifflin, Ohio 44805.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.