L. Steven Hilligoss passed away Wednesday, June 20 after a courageous one year battle with brain cancer, at the age of 60.

Steve was extremely well known throughout the U.S. air show industry, having served as President and lifetime director of the American Military Heritage Foundation. He was prominently considered as "Mister Air Show" throughout the Midwest, where his aviation friends, performers, and organizers numbered in the hundreds.

In 1989, Steve was instrumental in obtaining an original U.S. Navy PV-2 WWII medium bomber, of which he helped oversee the restoration and maintenance of this flying museum. He was a co-founder and director of the Riley Hospital - Indianapolis Air Show, which he helped start in 1997.

In addition to the tremendous success of the Indianapolis Air Show, Steve was a valuable "behind the scenes" advisor to area air show events in Evansville, IN, Vincennes, IN, Louisville, KY, and Jeffersonville, IN. He also participated in dozens of major air shows throughout the United States as the PV-2 flight engineer. He held the respect and friendship of air show participants and organizers throughout the United States.

Final arrangements are scheduled at New Palestine United Church, New Palestine, IN, with calling there from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 22 and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23. Funeral services to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at the church.

Charitable donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Military Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 29061, Indianapolis, IN 46229.

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