SFC (RETIRED) FELIX HILTON

Felix Ray Hilton, of Dixon, was born on January 31, 1949, in Harrison, Arkansas, a son of William Joel and Selma Elise (Norvell) Hilton and departed this life on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in the Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Hilton had attained the age of 71 years, 7 months, and 26 days.

Mr. Hilton was united in marriage to Emiko Uemura of Fukuoka, Japan and to this union, two daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his wife on June 12, 2019 and his parents.

In 1968, Mr. Hilton enlisted in the United States Army. While enlisted, he served two tours in Vietnam, he was a 11B Infantryman with Airborne and Sniper training. He retired as an 88N Transportation Coordinator and was honorably discharged in 1992 after 23 ½ years of service and attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class.

He was awarded and entitled to wear the following medals and ribbons:  Bronze Star Medal w/Valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (1 ^st OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4 ^th OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (1 ^st Silver OLC), National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Services Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2 ^nd OLC), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (1 ^st Silver OLC), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Civil Action Medal First Class, Overseas Service Bars (1), Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Expert Qualification Badge (M-16).

A man of excellent character, SFC Hilton's Honorable Discharge is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, soldier and a friend to many.  He would give a stranger the shirt off his own back.  He was funny, smart, sarcastic and had a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Those left to cherish the memories of Mr. Hilton include: his daughters: Diana Emiko Hilton and Lizu Emily Hilton-Durham; Grandchildren: Jessica Lynn Hilton, Kiara LeKena Durham, Thomas Lee Gates and Andrew LaMar Durham; Great grandchildren: Felix Barry and Curtis Samuel Frazier; Sisters: Bonnie Hilton of Yakima, Washington and Martha Poe of Harrison, Arkansas.

The family elected cremation with a memorial service to be held on November 9, 2020, Monday, at Waynesville Veterans Cemetery with military honors at 1100 am.