History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

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Hillis Funeral Home was opened in 1946 by Loren E. "Doc" Hillis, when Mr. Hillis purchased the Raymond Seat Funeral Home at 932 Maple Avenue, providing emergency and invalid services as well as funeral service.

The turn-of-the-century mansion, built by the Young family, owners of the Roseville Pottery, at 935 Forest Avenue, was purchased in 1955 and the funeral home moved to its present location. 

Our Valued Staff

  • Tim Combs

    Tim Combs, Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Tim is a graduate of Maysville High School, Columbus Technical Institute with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and holds and Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is married to the former Ann Foley who is a Bishop Rosecrans High School Graduate and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Franciscan University.Tim is a member of a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served as Elder and is active in many committees and boards. He is a member of Peerless Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, Amrou Grotto, and Genesis Hospice Board. Ann is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where she is a lecture and Eucharistic minister. Ann serves as the Executive Director of the Muskingum County Center for Seniors. Together they enjoy boating, cooking, dancing, travel and time with family and friends. They also greatly enjoy spending time with their two dogs.

  • Paul Nestor

    Paul Nestor, Owner/ Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Paul was born and raised in West Virginia and is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. He also holds a Degree in Mortuary Science for the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Paul Is married to Amy Nestor, who is a lifelong resident of Zanesville and works at Muskingum University as a Financial Aid Officer. They have three sons: Wesley Nestor who is a student at Muskingum University, Josh Jay Gooden a student at Philo High School and and Joshua I. C. Nestor who is a student at the Ohio State School for the Blind. Paul and his family are members of St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Paul is a member of Zanesville Daybreak Rotary, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lions Club and La Fayette Lodge #79. In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with his boys, golf, fishing, cooking and wine making.

  • Jim Hillis

    Jim Hillis, Funeral Director

    Jim followed in this fathers foot steps and serviced in the family business for over 50 years. Jim is married to Sue Hillis and together they had six children and several grandchildren. They are members of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and enjoys golf, fishing.

  • Bill Porter

    Bill Porter, Funeral Attendent

    Bill is a graduate of Ohio University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree to become an educator. He is a retired general business manager and has served in many positions at the funeral home. He currently enrolled the Apprentice Program with the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors to obtain his Funeral Directors License. Bill is a member of Zanesville Daybreak Rotary where he served as president and also as an Assistant District Director. Bill is very active in Rotary International. He is also a past president of the Genesis Healthcare Volunteers and served on the Genesis Healthcare Board.