Robert Hilton
Robert “Bob” Eugene Hilton, 70, of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away at The Evelyn’s House in
St. Louis on September 21 st 2023 after a short stay. He was surrounded by family at the time of
his passing.
Bob was born April 15 th , 1953, in Monett Missouri. He was the son of Leon and Norma (Negre)
Hilton. Bob graduated from Monett High School in 1971 where he was an all-around student–
smart, athletic, and loved by many. After graduation, he went on to the University of Missouri
at Rolla and majored in Geological Engineering. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE)
Fraternity, and there Bob met one of his best friends, Mike Kirn. Mike later introduced Bob to
his sister, Wilma Kirn. On January 6 th , 1978, Bob married the love of his life Wilma (Kirn) Hilton.
They shared the purest form of love, caring for each other with respect and kindness. They
were married for 45 wonderful years, before his untimely passing.
Bob graduated from Rolla in 1976. He chose to stay in the area until Wilma graduated. Shortly
after her graduation, he started his career with Dowell/ Schlumberger. He began his career with
them in 1979 and stayed with them for 37 years until his retirement. During Bob’s career, he
took his family on a 25 year adventure of traveling through multiple cities in Texas and one
short stint in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Finally, in 2009, he decided to dip his toes into retirement, and
began telecommuting from Shell Knob, MO while enjoying the fresh water of Table Rock Lake.
Bob loved to fish, be on the water, and spend time with friends and family. Bob was an avid
sports fan, and if he wasn’t outside, he was inside watching sports. He never missed an Astros
or Chiefs’ game, but would content himself with any other team, if neither of them were
playing. After spending many years in Shell Knob and making even more amazing friends (Bob
never knew a stranger), Bob and Wilma built their forever home off the shores of Table Rock
Lake right outside of town.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Wilma; his son and daughter-in-law of Chesterfield Missouri
Adam and Julia Hilton, their three children, Ava, Rose, and Henry. His daughter and son-in law
of Nacogdoches Texas, Maggie and Clint Patterson, their two children, Briley and Seth. His
brother, Steven Hilton of Monett Missouri, three aunts, Marinell Pennell of Branson Missouri;
Faye Negre of Longview, Washington and Sue Negre of Monett; as well as many nieces,
nephews, cousins, and friends. Last but not least, his faithful dog and companion of 14 years,
Charlie. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Norma and Leon Hilton and two uncles,
Edward and Arthur Negre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Evelyn’s House (1000 N. Mason
Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141) or Haven of the Ozarks Animal Shelter (9617 Farm Rd 2190,
Washburn, MO 65772. If you wish to honor Bob, please enjoy a bowl of ice cream with your
family as Bob loved both his family and ….ice cream.
RIP Robert Hilton.
A perfect reflection of Bob’s life and loves. Such a kind, gentle soul who loved everyone and living at the lake. When he was just a little boy, I was his summertime baby sitter. He always had a sweet little boy smile on his face which never left him in adulthood. My heart is full, my tears are quick, but a smile breaks through when I remember all the good times which makes me say “Thank you God for giving him to this family for a time. He was one of the best.”
Love to all my family.
Auntie Marinell
……and we will definitely have ice cream in his honor with our family!
Auntie M
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Robert was one of the finest people I ever knew growing up. Never saw him angry, but did see him regularly treating people with kindness and respect. He was a talented athlete in many sports, and I got to hand off to him many times in track relay events. He was a very good man, the best, the kind we don’t have enough, especially in this day and age. God bless his family and the memory of his time on this earth.
Wilma, I am so sorry to hear of Bob passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Bob was a very special man and will be missed.
My deep sympathy to Bob’s family. I I remember Robert in high school and was glad to make his acquaintance again just a couple.of years ago. He was so kind and such a good friend. My deepest sympathy.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We are very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He meant so much to our family. Our thoughts go out to Wilma and his family.
Wilma, Adam, and Maggie,
I’m am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather. I know he will be so missed by all that loved him.
My deepest sympathies to the family. Bob will be missed.
There never was a time that I saw him. He didn’t have a smile on his face. I really appreciate it whenever he came to watch Nathan play Ball that meant a lot to us. I know how much he loved Sports.
And I know how much he is going to be missed and how much he was loved. He’s a very wonderful man. God bless you. Prayers for you and the family. Love you all.
To one of the Best friends of my life, you are missed already. Thank you for all of the memories. I still can’t believe that you are gone but I know you are in a better place with your mom and dad. God be with you. Wilma my thoughts and prayers are with you and if there’s anything I can do to help you please let me know. With all of my heart felt love.
The members of the Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers express our deepest sympathy to your family in the passing of our fellow member.
We enjoyed having him as a fellow fly fisher and member for the past few years.
When I connected with Bob on a personal level, we were both dealing with end of life situations with a parent.
Bob was always upbeat and kind, just like everyone has described him that knew him for much longer.
The obit photo was in 2021 when I had the privilege of taking him fly fishing for White Bass.
That was his first White Bass caught, and released, with fly tackle.
That day will forever be remembered.
Prayers for peace and comfort for your family.
May God provide that comfort, and the joy of a life well lived among family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. We will definitely get ice cream.
Wilma, I just learned of Bob’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m honored to have known him, and happy that the two of you followed your dream to live at the lake full time when you did. He always had a smile and good word for everyone he met.
Wilma: I talked with Sharon last night and today. We are both stunned and so sorry for Bob’s passing. I was grateful for the number of things Bob helped me with and he was just really good to talk to. Fun, interesting, intelligent and good man. I’m so sorry for you loss and everything you’ve gone through. My Charlie dog and I are thinking of you and your Charlie.