Danville and Vermilion County has lost a man who did much for this area. Julius W. Hegeler II died early today. The well-known humanitarian and philanthropist was 91.
Attorney Gilbert Saikley, a close friend of Hegeler, says he died early this morning among family and friends in Danville. ‘’He was quite an ambassador,’’ said Saikley. ‘’He was the type of person you were lucky to meet once in your lifetime,’’ Saikley added.
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[In the photo Julius W. Hegeler II is thanked during a ceremony at Danville Area Community College. His Air Force uniform is displayed there. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.]
Hegeler had donated millions of dollars to various causes over the years in the Danville and Vermilion County area. He graduated with the Danville High School Class of 1946 and is a member of the DHS Wall of Fame, along with the Wall of Fame at the Kenneth D. Bailey Academy.
Hegeler had served in the U.S. Air Force and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for combat missions he flew over North Korea. Those flights included the last interceptor mission of the Korean Conflict.
[In the top photo Hegeler sits on a bench placed outside Danville High School in his honor.]