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Hilgedick Electric celebrates 60 years

Posted 6/30/20

Don Hilgedick, local business icon, will mark 60 years in business this month.

Don owns Hilgedick Electric Service, which he opened here in Fayette on July 1, 1960. The business has been serving …

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Hilgedick Electric celebrates 60 years

Posted

Don Hilgedick, local business icon, will mark 60 years in business this month.

Don owns Hilgedick Electric Service, which he opened here in Fayette on July 1, 1960. The business has been serving the electrical needs of Howard County residents and beyond since that date.

Don began his career as an employee of the city, working in the power department. His wife, Lillian, was a telephone operator and was also a homemaker. Don recognized the need for a local electrician, so he, along with Lillian, combined their knowledge and experience and opened Hilgedick Electric Service. Don’s responsibilities included the service area of the business while Lillian served as bookkeeper and receptionist. Together they built the business which continues today. Lillian passed away in 2007. The couple had been married for 59 years. Don continues to be an integral part of the business.

When Hilgedick Electric began operating, one of the main services was to repair the electrical problems in the older homes in the area. As the times changed, residents began to use air conditioning window units, which required installation of dedicated lines and Hilgedick’s provided this service. When central heating and air conditioning became popular, the business began to grow, eventually becoming what it is today as it continues to provide a variety of services for area residents.

When the business celebrated its 50 year anniversary, Don said that it was his four boys, ages 4-10 at the time, who motivated him. He also stated that Lillian played a major role in the success of the business. He has been described as a modest man and always gives credit to his employees, his son Glen being one of them.

Along with running a business for 60 years, Don has also been very involved in civic organizations in Fayette. He, along with Lillian, was very active in The Fayette Optimist Club. Most of the residents of Fayette knew “Miss Lil,” as they called her, through her work with the Optimists and Don received the high honor of being elected Governor of the Optimist Club of Missouri in 1980.

During the time that Hilgedick’s has been in operation, they have worked on such historic buildings as the Prairie Home Mansion west of Arrow Rock and also J.P. Sites Gun Shop which was built around 1844.

In 1986, Don was elected Fayette Area Business Leader of the Year for both his business and civic contributions to the community. In addition, his business has received recognition from Carrier for achievement in sales and service.  

Don’s success, both personal and professional, can be attributed to hard work, long hours, pride in his life and business and devotion to family and community.

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