Joseph Hilton

Joseph Dean Hilton, Pleasant Grove, UT died at his home at the age of 99, July 17, 2023.

Joe was born July 11, 1924 to Joseph Clarence and Gladys Richins Hilton.

He grew up in Pleasant Grove, UT, where he lived his entire life.

Joe served in the US Army shortly after high school, and fought in WWII, serving in the Philippines and Japan.

He married the love of his life, Joan Walker Hilton, in the Salt Lake Temple August 12, 1946. Together, they had six children.

He worked at Geneva Steel for 37 years and retired in 1983.

Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed being outside until the end. He loved Mt. Timpanogos, and was a great source for anyone wanting to learn about the mountain’s history and trails. After he wasn’t able to hike anymore, he spent many hours looking at the mountain with his binoculars. He loved river running and ran the Middle Fork of the Salmon, as well as running the Green and Colorado rivers before they were dammed. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman and liked riding motorcycles.

He instilled his love of the outdoors in his children and grandchildren. Joe took them on many memorable camping and hunting trips. He also took them hiking, rock hounding, tubing, and ice skating on Utah Lake. These activities created an incredible bond they share with each other.

He took care of his large property by himself until this spring. Joe was always willing to help anytime his family or neighbors needed help cutting down a tree or mending a fence.

He was a great example to all who knew him and a friend to all. At a visit with Joe, no one was judged, and everyone left inspired to live better and be better to those around them.

Joe was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and faithfully served in many capacities over the years. Joe and his wife, Joan, served an LDS mission to the South Dakota Rapid City Mission from 1983-1984.

Survived by five children, Lynn Hilton (Jeanette), Jody Sirkel (Larry), Pauline Petersen (Bryce),
Arlen Hilton (Barbara), Larry Hilton (Sandy) and a daughter-in-law, Sundee Hilton. He was the beloved grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather to well over 100.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan; three brothers and two sisters, Barney, Phyllis, Claire, his twin brother John, and Glade (Freck); son, Leon; grandsons, Nathan Hilton, and Dennis Sirkel; and one great-grandson, Amos Hayes.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 11:00 a.m. at the Timpanogos 1st Ward Meetinghouse, 332 East 500 North, Pleasant Grove, UT
Family and friends may attend a viewing Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m.at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, UT, and Monday morning at the meetinghouse from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services.

Interment will be at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Timpanogos Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

For those viewing this obituary on olpinmortuary.com, a link to the Wounded Warriors Project can be seen below the obituary.