Robert C. Hilton

Born January 11, 1931 in Batavia, Arkansas in Boone County. Born on his grandfather’s farm to J. Virgil and Alice Barbara (Siemiller) Hilton. Bob was the oldest of 5 children.

He lived in and around Boone County until 1943, when the family moved to Oregon. He attended high school in La Grange and worked delivering papers and in the local mail room. When WWII ended the family moved back to northwest Arkansas, near Harrison. At age 17, he came to the Kansas City, KS area, living here the rest of his life except 2 years in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. All 24 months served at Ft. Bliss near El Paso, Texas.

On December 30th, 1952 he married Arlene J. Jenkins. They had 3 daughters, Carol, Cathy, and Connie. He made a living for his family driving dump trucks, trash trucks, school buses, and delivery trucks. From 1978-2010 he drove semis as a long haul trucker.

If you knew Bob, you know the one thing he enjoyed more than work was his family. They built a home together and everyone was always welcome there. He enjoyed traveling and sight seeing across the US. He had a great deal of patience, humility, integrity, and a sharp sense of humor. He woke up before his alarm and was always ready for a cup of coffee or bowl of ice cream.

Bob passed away in his home on September 14th, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Alice Hilton. Siblings Ralph Hilton, Ruth Vaughn, Betty Vaughn, and Carl Hilton. Two Daughters Carol Elaine Murphy and Cathy Elizabeth Cook. And grandson DJ McGhee.

Bob is survived by his wife of 73 years Arlene. His daughter Connie (David) McGhee. Grandchildren Robert Hilton (Tanya), Brandon Murphy (Megan), Jessica Cook (Crystal), and Timothy Cook (Jaime). Great Grandchildren Caitlyn Murphy, Ronan Murphy, Beverly Hilton, Robert Hilton Jr., Ellie Hilton, Renee Hilton, Jonathan Pompey, Kayla Gunn, and Adrianna Cook.

Services will be held Monday, September 21st, 2026 at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Ks.Visitation from 10am-12pm with memorial service at noon. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Ks. There will be a reception following at Metropolitan Southern Baptist Church.