Matthew Jerome Hillsman

Matthew J. Hillsman, 89, of Portales, NM, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Coronado Care Center on June 9, 2025.

He is survived by a son, Ian, daughter-in-law, Carla, a brother, John, and sisters Constance, Bernardine, and Barbara. He was predeceased by his elder son, Carl, his sister Janet and brother Michael.

Born in Crucible, PA, Matt was the eldest son of Mary and John Hillsman, a lifelong coal miner. He joined the US Air Force and served as a radio operator for four years before taking advantage of the GI Bill to attend Penn State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

Upon graduation, Matt was employed at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, CT and did a brief stint at the NASA Electronics Research Center in Cambridge, MA, which was closed in 1970. He returned to NUSC until taking early retirement in the mid 1980s.

Having always had an interest in anthropology, Matt moved to Portales in 1986 and returned to university at ENMU to earn his Master's of Science degree in Anthropology and Applied Archaeology.  Upon graduation, he started another new chapter in life and became curator of the Blackwater Draw Museum located between Portales and Clovis, NM and served in that role for over 20 years until his retirement.

In his free time, Matt pursued his interest in amateur radio (call sign KD5GTH) which allowed him to connect with people across the country and around the world. He also loved a hearty home-cooked or locally prepared meal and wouldn't hesitate to get in his car and drive countless miles for a good bowl of chili, which was also one of his favorite meals to prepare at home. Matt usually spent his vacation time crisscrossing the country by car, travelling at his own pace and stopping off to visit family and friends along the way.  He became an avid motorcycle enthusiast later in life when he purchased his first bike and obtained his license at age 70.

Per his wishes, his remains will be cremated and there will not be a funeral service. A special notice of thanks is extended to the staff of Coronado Care Center in Portales as well the staff of Interim Hospice for their outstanding level of care and concern over the past three years.

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