Following a life well-lived, Robert Donald Hilton, a devoted father, grandfather, educator, and strong man of faith, went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2025, at the age of 88. He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of 62 years, Evelyn Gill Hilton, who passed away in August of 2021.
Robert was born on February 9, 1937, and raised on a farm in Simonton, Texas, where he learned the value of hard work and integrity from an early age. He met Evelyn at a school dance while attending Sam Houston State University, where both he and Evelyn earned bachelor degrees in Education, and both later earned their Master’s Degrees in Education. Bob and Evelyn married on May 22, 1960 in Baytown, Texas. Together, they built a life marked by love, dedication to Christ and family, and service to others.
A dedicated educator, Bob devoted his career to shaping young lives as a history and economics teacher, school counselor, and principal. He was a quiet leader and a compassionate mentor who believed deeply in the power of education and character. Bob advocated for students throughout his career, encouraging them to achieve their potential and helping students find scholarships, who otherwise would not have been able to attend college. Bob devoted 37 years to educating and helping students in Texas public schools in Aldine, Georgetown, Bay City, Alpine, and Pecos ISD.
Outside the classroom, Robert was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, and take cruises with Evelyn. He found peace and joy in nature, and treasured the moments spent with family, especially his grandchildren.
Following retirement, Bob and Evelyn lived near family in Bangs, Texas, and Bob was able to grow the garden of his dreams, as well as plant a pecan orchard. Bob loved being “Papa” to six wonderful grandchildren, and was sure to plant extra blackberries for the children to pick and enjoy. Some of the most treasured times that his grandchildren spent with him were riding with him on the tractor, helping in the garden, bringing in wood for the wood-burning stove, building blinds at the deer lease, hosting many overnight stays for the grandkids, and traveling with the family. One of Bob’s favorite activities was to cruise with the family to Cozumel or stay for a weekend at a country house with a pond and watch all the family and grandkids fish, swim, and enjoy the outdoors.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Hilton and Willie Mae Ondrusek, and his beloved wife, Evelyn Gill Hilton. He is survived by his children: sons David Hilton, Steve Hilton and wife Jen, daughter Suzanne Cofresi and husband Mike, grandchildren Trent Cofresi and wife Savannah, Josh Cofresi, Katie Cofresi Thomas and husband Brayden, Cassie Cofresi, Drew Hilton, and Cameron Hilton. His legacy lives on through them, and through the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
Bob’s children and grandchildren are left with so many wonderful memories and are so grateful to have been blessed with such wonderful parents and grandparents. Friends and family who were blessed enough to know Bob and the loyal, kind-hearted, steadfast person that he was will miss him, but rejoice knowing he is finally at home in Heaven with Evelyn and his family who have gone on before him.
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