Robert Eugene Hilton Sr., 88, of Terre Haute, died April 14, 2024 in his home of the past two years, Inspiritas of West Melbourne Memory Care. All of his surviving children were with him in the days prior to his death, and he passed away peacefully without pain.
He was born on May 17, 1935 to Frank Hilton Sr. and Helen Hilton (Schoemaker) in Terre Haute, Indiana.
He married Nancy Ellen Hodgers on January 24, 1954, and they had 4 children, Robert Eugene Hilton Jr., Lyle Thomas Hilton, Marta Lee Hilton and Mitchell Kent Hilton.
Bob attended Indiana State University but left school to focus on building his business and supporting his family. He joined the Bricklayers Union and built a successful masonry business which he ran until retirement in 1999. He was a proud Union member and achieved Gold Card (Life Member) status honoring his 50 years of service. In fact, he and his son Robert Jr. were one of few living father-and-son pairs to both be awarded this honor. He also owned a STAR building franchise for many years and he and his wife Nancy built and managed Evergreen Storage in Terre Haute for 26 years until its sale in 2022.
In addition to working hard, he had plenty of hobbies and passions through the years. As a young man he was an avid golfer and was proud of his hole-in-one at Rea Park Golf Course in 1964. He also raced Enduro motorcycles and owned many touring motorcycles. He rode his motorcycle through all 48 continental United States, Mexico, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. He also loved boating and was an active member of the Cataract Yacht Club. Later in life he enjoyed antique cars and was a member of two automobile clubs, the Model A Club and Specialty Car Club. He and Nancy were also members of Memorial United Methodist Church in Terre Haute.
Bob is survived by three of his children, Robert Hilton Jr. (Myrna), Lyle Hilton (Jane) and Marta Bonatz (Paul); three grandchildren, James Hilton (Jennifer), Beth Judge (Adam), and Roxanne Hilton; five great-grandchildren, Mathieu Hilton, Arthur Hilton, Maddison Judge, Liv Judge, and Jack Judge; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Helen Hilton; his wife, Nancy Hilton; his son, Mitchell Hilton; and his siblings, Charles Hilton, Frank Hilton Jr., Rosalee Westwood, Adalaide Delisle, Rudolph Hilton and William Hilton.
Funeral services will be handled by Greiner Funeral Home. As he wished, he was cremated upon his death. Burial and a celebration of his life will be held in early summer, place and date yet to be determined. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Nancy in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Terre Haute.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your local Food Bank.
www.greinerfuneralhome.com

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