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Walter Leslie Hilton died Oct. 29, 2019 at the age of 98. Walter was born to Walter F. and Gayle Reed Hilton (Jones) on Feb. 14, 1921 in Capac, Michigan. At age six, Walter moved with his family to Phoenix so his father could receive treatment for tuberculosis contracted during World War I. Walter graduated from Phoenix Union High School and Phoenix College before serving as a Marine Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific arena during World War II, and in the Korean War.
In 1943, Walter married Cornelia Grout, and they had three children: Lee (Peggy) of Tucson, Randy (deceased), and Susan Ashcraft (Robert) of Tempe. They made their family home in Globe for over 50 years, where Walter served on various civic boards and committees, worked at Sears & Roebuck, then for the Gila County Assessor’s Office, and ultimately retired from Cities Service, Miami Copper Operations. Later he and Cornelia lived in Tucson, and after her death, Walter moved to Tempe.
Walter enjoyed golf and bowling, but most of all he loved working meticulously in his yard. He joked that when he died he’d like his ashes to be mixed with some weed killer in order to continue his gardening.
Walter is survived by Lee and Susan, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
No services are planned.
The family thanks the staff at Elmcroft Senior Living in Tempe for their care and assistance this past year. Also, love and thanks to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Valley, especially Linda, Stephanie, Paola and Reyna, for the kind, compassionate care that dignified Walter’s final life journey, and for their guidance and support for the family.
If only all health care were as personal and complete!
In Walter’s memory, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
