A visitation for Thomas will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Celebration of Life will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Woodridge Baptist Church, 850 E Bert Kouns, Shreveport, Louisiana. A graveside committal will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Kilpatrick's Memorial Garden, 1270 Highway 544, Ruston, Louisiana 71270.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years, Bette Miller Hilton; sister, Frances Fish; children, Max Hilton (Kelly), Lynse Guerra, and Garrett Larance (Nelita); grandchildren, Shaelyn Lewis, Isa Guerra, Sophie Guerra, Ava Guerra and Alexander Barbu; great grandchildren, Kai and Sorin Fowler.
Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Alicia Hilton Bell; brother, Mike Hilton; brother-in-law, Jim Fish; and parents, Aline and Harold "Buddy" Hilton.
To know Tom Hilton was to be subject to heartfelt encouragement, judicious altruism, exemplary supervision, friendship of the truest kind and the gospel of Christ. He could make work more like fun and make fun-even more fun. Tom's first love was sharing the love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He reached out every way he could to spread the good news of the Salvation that only Jesus can give. A devoted supporter of missions, Tom supported and participated in many mission trips and mission projects in countries in Central America and India. As a Sunday School teacher, he spent countless hours studying and preparing to share and teach the word of God. Tom loved his church family and the work that they did together.
Tom loved his children and grandchildren. Their happiness and successes were his joy and their troubles and trials were matters of prayer. In 1974 and 1977, Tom and Carol welcomed, Alicia Ellen and Max Christian. He lovingly guided them as babies, youngsters and adults to follow and achieve their goals. In 1997, Tom added two more children to his life when he married Bette. Lynse and Garrett were just as lovingly guided to follow their own paths of success and fulfill the accomplishments meant for them. Finding common interests and enjoying adventures with each of his children was so important to Tom. As a father, he excelled in listening and loving. He would say, "Sometimes you just need to listen to your kids and let them tell you whatever they need to tell you. Just let them talk."
Tom's relationship with his sister, Frances and brother, Mike were strong through all their lives. He was taught that family was the most important and that standards and values are invaluable in living his life. Tom knew the oil industry from top to bottom. As a youth Tom's father, "Buddy" moved his family wherever the drilling required. As a young man Tom worked with his father in the oil field. He attended LA Tech and graduated with a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering. His career began in Hobbs, New Mexico with Skelly Oil and after 20 years of corporate and consulting work he became a part of Eland Energy in Dallas. Tom retired in 2009 after a career lasting 41 years.
Tom enjoyed growing flowering plants, among those were his roses. He knew the inner working of engines and motors and the mechanics of making things go. He saw a chain saw and a day spent cutting trees or building a bridge over a creek a challenge to be met and mastered, as well as relaxing. Having a few acres in Jefferson, Texas he called "The Place", was his therapy, the perfect play place for his retirement.
As will happen in this life, unplanned and unwanted interruptions come. Tom met these with his faith out in front and placed his trust firmly in Jesus, looking upward. He approached these challenges with the mindset of Psalm 23. He knew where his strength came from and that the end of this earthly life is simply the new and beautiful beginning of life with Christ.
Tomism #1 "It is what it is"
