John Stephen Hilton

John Stephen Hilton, age 88, of Mena, died Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his home in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Thursday, July 27, 1933, to Vessie Newton Hilton and Emma (Hendricks) Hilton of Board Camp, Arkansas.

John loved God, family, and his country. He strongly believed in upholding our country’s freedoms and rights. He served in the National Guard from 1950 -1953. He went to Korea where he had the task of loading guns for the 937 Field Artillery. John was a conversationalist and made small talk with anyone he met. Many people describe John as truly one of the kindest and nicest men they had ever met. He was humble and proud of the life he built with his loving wife, Trevia, and their children. John and Trevia were married for 62 years. John loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being around them any chance he was given. He also greatly adored his nieces and nephews. He was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Panther Creek Christian Church. In 1996, John retired from Emerson Electric and was the former caretaker for Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena for many years. He loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the NRA. John was a naturalist. He loved observing the woods and often asked, “What kind of trees you got around here?” John was also an avid Rock Hound. He simply couldn’t pass by a pretty rock without picking it up for a closer look. He served his community many years providing well-witching for anyone who asked. He loved helping others. For those who knew John well, knew he could fix anything with just super glue, copper wire, and duct-tape! He was a child of the Great Depression. John was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him along with his wit and funny one liners. John is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Marvin Hilton and Richard Hilton; one sister, Helen Parsons; and one grandson, Chase Hilton.

John is survived by his loving wife Trevia; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnny Hilton and wife Fran of Mena; one daughter and son-in-law, Becky May and husband Terry of Center Ridge, Arkansas; one brother and sister-in-law, Brian Hilton and wife Francis of Mena; one sister, Dollie Reed of Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Conn Hilton of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jesse May of Conway, Arkansas, Jacob May of Conway, Arkansas and Katie Jewell May of Center Ridge, Arkansas; one great-grandchild, Harper Hilton of Batesville, Arkansas; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Pastor Artie Carnes officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Cemetery in Mena.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 2- 4 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Junior Bruce, Clancey Fairless, Jimmy Standridge, Jesse May, Jacob May, and Conn Hilton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Brent Gorden, Tom Copelin, and the men of Panther Creek Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Cemetery, Board Camp, Arkansas. 712 Polk 59, Mena, Arkansas 71953.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

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