Robert Lewis Hilton

Robert Lewis Hilton, 92, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018 from natural causes. Bob was born June 26, 1926 in Shinnston, West Virginia to Blanch and Charles Hilton. He interrupted his senior year of high school to enter the Navy June 3, 1943, in order to help his family financially. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Register Destroyer Escort in the South Pacific for the entire 3 years of his service. He was very proud of the fact that his ship was one of four that rescued survivors of the U.S.S. Indianapolis that was torpedoed by the Japanese.

Bob left the service in 1946 and came to Akron to work at Goodyear Aircraft (now Goodyear Aerospace) and then at Burger Iron Company, retiring from there October, 1989, after 43 years. In 2004 Bob was afforded the opportunity through a government program to former servicemen and women, to graduate from high school at Kent Roosevelt High School. It was a very proud day in his life.

Bob loved sports. All sports but particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees. Personally, he liked to golf and loved bowling. During his long life he bowled all over the area and sometimes bowled 7 nights a week. He developed friendships with bowlers and their families that continued throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents Blanch and Charles Hilton, eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, his first wife Betty (Lingelbach) who he was married to for 20 years and his eldest son Robert Hilton II. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Liz (Lind), daughter Sally Lou of Kent, son Jeffrey (fiancé Ginger Swanson) of Brimfield, grandsons Nathaniel Hilton and Alexander Swanson, sister Lorraine Henline (West Virginia), sisters-in-law Lou Hilton, Delores Hilton, and Jennifer Looper, brother-in-law John Lind (LaVonne) and numerous nieces and nephews all over the United States. Family was everything to Bob. His love and kindness knew no bounds.

Cremation has taken place. Please join us for a Celebration of his Life at his home at 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, September 8. Please dress casually. Bob hated to dress up so he would be happy that you are all dressed comfortably. The family wishes to thank all the nurses and caregivers from Summa Home Care and Hospice, especially Cathy, Angela and Iesha for their kindness and excellent care. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes you to donate to your local homeless veteran organization.