Howard Earl Hilton

It is with great sadness we announce that Howard Earl Hilton, of Marble Falls, Texas went to his Heavenly home on Monday, November 30, 2020, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was 90 years old and passed peacefully at his home with Mary, his wife of 68 years, and his daughter Vicki by his side. Always thinking of others, his devotion to his family, soft-spoken nature and kind-hearted spirit remained steadfast through the end.

Howard was born July 17, 1930 in Eureka, California to Howard and Josephine Hilton. In 1952 he met the love of his life, Mary Etta Davis of Galax, Virginia, whom he married in August that same year. Together they had three children he guided and raised with patience, discipline, and humility.

Howard served his country proudly in both the U.S. Navy, and U.S Air Force where he flew Strategic Command during the Cold War. After retiring from the military, he continued his service working in Biomed Engineering at the VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas for the next 20 years. There, he also attended St. Mary’s University and received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Upon his retirement, Howard and Mary built a house on Lake LBJ in Granite Shoals, Texas, where he lived a happy and fulfilling life doing what he loved most: fishing the day away. He also enjoyed kayaking, building RC model airplanes, and spending most Saturday mornings at the airfield with a thermos of coffee and his flying club buddies. Howard was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Marble Falls, where he served for many years with friends and family.

Those who knew him might say he was a teacher at heart, always ready to help solve a problem or answer any questions, big or small. He was also a great storyteller, who’s legendary bedtime stories will remain forever immortalized to his loved ones. Howard was quick to comfort with open arms, slow to anger, listened without judgement, and encouraged through his wisdom. He was quick to point out that life’s hardships could be dealt with by simply applying “mind over matter: you don’t mind because it doesn’t matter,” a mantra that will forever echo his voice.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife Mary; his daughter Vicki, his son John and wife Valerie; his granddaughter Taryn Sullens and husband Kevin, grandson Christopher Hilton, granddaughter Shelby Watson and husband Alex; his greatgranddaughter Rayna Sullens; and his brother Paul Hilton and wife Ursula. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Howard Robert.

Howard will be inurned at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls. Interment of ashes will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in Howard Hilton’s name, to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization he supported that will remain close to his family’s hearts.

We were touched by Howard’s presence in our lives and are better because of him and what he taught us.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — A.A. Milne

Condolences to the family may be offered to clementswilcoxfuneralhomes.com.