Robert Hilins, 48, of Smith Avenue, Hermitage, died at 12:35 a.m. Monday in UPMC Horizon Shenango Hospital.

Born Feb. 24, 1961, he was the son of the late Richard Hilins and the late JoAnn Maxwell.

Robert was actively involved with Special Olympics. Robert attended various outings with his peers at The Alliance, such as picnics, dances and amusements parks, and he enjoyed van rides. Robert loved chocolate cake, Spiderman and Batman and Michael Jackson; he often sang his songs.

The group home staff members were his family since he had been with them since 2002.

He will be missed by all his family and friends at The Alliance and the Butler County Mental Health/Mental Rehabilitation and the Center.

Before living at the Alliance, Robert was with ARC and will also be missed by the staff there. The staff have many fond memories of Bob when he lived in Butler.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara Whipkey.

<B>HILINS</B> — Friends of Robert Hilins, who died Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, were received from 10 to 10:30 a.m. today at the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St., Butler. Services were at 10:30 a.m. today at the funeral home with Mike Winship officiating. Interment followed in North Butler Cemetery of Oakland Township.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.