Dr. Mahlon Hile, plant science professor emeritus and the "father" of Fresno State’s famous sweet corn, passed away on June 4. He was 80 years old.

Hile joined Fresno State as an assistant professor in 1977 and taught 25 courses over 27 years, many of which focused on vegetable, crop and vegetation management.

In 1996, Hile received the Jordan College’s most prestigious faculty honor, the Nicolas Salgo Outstanding Teacher Award. He later became the Plant Science Department’s chair from January 2000 to June 2001 and was named a full-time professor in 2004.

His emphasis on student learning experiences on the campus farm led to a role as its vegetable crop manager from 1981 to 2001. Under his guidance, Fresno State sweet corn was planted as a student project and test crop in 1981, and was first sold to the public a year later.

Hile also served as a faculty advisor and a founding member of Fresno State’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in 1995.

Born in Sacramento, Hile’s passion for agriculture began as a youth, where he worked on the family farm and ranch in the Sutter Basin and showed hogs. After graduating from Woodland High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in general microbiology from Chico State, where he also met his wife, Claire Heffren, of 57 years.

He served in the Vietnam War, where he received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal 1 and 2, the Army Commendation Medal and other awards for his outstanding service.

After he was honorably discharged, he used the GI Bill to attend Chico State and received a master’s degree in agriculture. He added a doctoral degree in crop physiology and ecology from Oregon State University, then spent a year working in the seed industry before joining Fresno State.

He retired in 2004 and continued to connect with veterans, traveled across the country in his Ford F-150 truck, and promoted agriculture on campus and across the state through photography and other ways.

Hile and wife enjoyed spending time with their three sons and their spouses, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A service was held in his honor in June at the Knights Landing Methodist Church. More information on his life and legacy can be found in his obituary.

Donations in his name can be made to the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. A link is provided at the bottom of the obituary.