James “Hank” Allen Pillard

James Allen “Hank” Pillard, of Beloit, Kansas, passed away at age 76 on October 5, 2025, at Wichita’s Via Christi Hospital, with his family at his side.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 13, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery in Marysville.

James was born October 8, 1948, in Marysville, Kansas, to Raymond and Edna (Broadston) Pillard. He attended Bigelow Elementary and graduated from Frankfort High, Class of 1966.

His military service included duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 as a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 319th Artillery. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, receiving two Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals. After his discharge, he made his home in Beloit.

His lifelong passion for working on vehicles and helping people served him well; he was always known as an ace mechanic and the man to go to. He operated Hank’s Auto Repair in Beloit for more than 17 years. He also loved his guns and riding motorcycles whenever he could and was an outspoken supporter of veterans. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his lifelong partner of 40 years, Joy Grotz of Beloit; daughter, Katherine Pillard of Glasco, Kansas; brothers, Gary Pillard of Marysville, and John Pillard of Salina, Kansas; sisters, Delores Campbell of Baldwin City, Kansas, and Georgia Marish of Blue Rapids, Kansas; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edna Pillard; brother, Jerry “JP” Pillard; and sister-in-law, Vicki Pillard (wife of Gary).