Karl Edward Hill passed away on May 22 at the age of 58 at his home in Columbus. At the time of his passing, he was CEO and chairman of the board at Columbus-based The First State Bank, capping a 35-year career there.

Hill attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and played rugby while earning his economics degree in 1987. He continued his education at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1994.

Hill’s career at The First State Bank began in 1988. He served the bank in many capacities during his tenure, including as loan officer, executive officer, director and president prior to being named CEO and chairman of the board. The bank was his family’s business and one that Hill was driven to help grow.

Karl and his family attended Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus and his children attended Saint Anthony Catholic School. At various times, he served on the school’s advisory council and at the time of his death was the council’s president. He also held other roles at Saint Anthony’s, including coaching basketball and football. Hill was a past member and president of the Columbus Rotary Club and a past board member at Columbus Community Hospital. In his professional capacity, he previously served as a director of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and as president and director of the South Central Texas Bankers Association.

Hill was also a very talented artist. He created some of the most vibrant and unique paintings, which was a surprise even for many of his friends. The father of three girls—Savanah, Chloe and Mia—they considered him a “terrific girl dad” who would paint French manicures for them and color their hair with the store-bought pull-through highlight caps. Whether facing the challenges of grade school bullying or adult relationship woes, Hill reminded his daughters of their strength of character and the importance of knowing what mattered most—family.

In 2005, Hill married Julie Glueck and soon discovered what it was like to raise boys. After the birth of their three sons— Ezra, Caswell and Finley (affectionately called “Tito” by his dad)—Hill had the opportunity to share with his boys more of what he loved. Whether it was golfing, fishing or hunting, he cherished every minute of that time. His grandchildren, Calvin and Charlotte, brought even more light to his eyes. They enjoyed swimming with Pappe in his pool almost as much as he did. Hill is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his mother, a brother and sister-in-law, as well as additional family members.

The week before his passing, Hill texted his daughter, “Seems like you catch your breath and then something else happens. Life is quick and family is the most important.”