Roger Hilton

of Hot Springs, South Dakota, died on Sunday, January 31, 2021
at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans' Home in Hot Springs at the age of 80

Roger Allen Hilton was born March 30, 1940, to Clifford and Helen (Mach) Hilton in Wagner, South Dakota, joining two older brothers Billy and Russell Hilton and an older sister JoAnn.

Roger lived with his family in Wagner, Hecla, and Belvidere before moving to Interior after the death of his father in 1946. The family had by then added two more children Jerry and Marilyn. After his mother married James Bruce Dunker, Peter and Lessie joined the family.

Roger attended school in Belvidere, Lone Tree Grade School and Interior School before graduating high school in 1957.

He entered the US Air Force in July 1957 and became a Computer Programming Technician. He was stationed at various bases in Mississippi, Michigan, Montana, Alaska, Oregon, the Philippines, and Ontario, Canada. He was honorably discharged in August 1977 after serving his country for 20 years.

After his retirement, Roger moved to Arizona then relocated to Sturgis, South Dakota, where he owned and operated a movie theater with his brother Russell. Later he returned to Interior where he lived in the country for a time. Roger loved to work in his wood shop and always had a big garden. He loved to golf.

Roger worked for his friend, Donald Harvey, at the gas station in Interior for several years and also for Keith Crew at Prairie Fuels. He spent several years working at Tower Services with Greg Boettcher.

He moved to Wall in 2002 where he enjoyed his retirement until moving to the SD State Veterans Home in Hot Springs in 2018. He enjoyed living at the Veterans Home, going shopping and eating out with other veterans, the sight seeing trips he took with faithful bus driver Laura, and daily seeing his loving niece, Jennifer Mechaley, who was employed at the Veterans’ Home and helped with his needs.

Roger was preceded in death by his father Clifford Hilton in 1946, his mother Helen Hilton Dunker in 2003, step-father Bruce Dunker in 1973, brother Jerry Hilton in 1989, and sister JoAnn Hilton Sell in 2017.

Roger is survived by brothers Russell (Audrey) Hilton of Spearfish, Billy (Deanna) Hilton of Rapid City, Peter Dunker of Wall, and sisters Marilyn Hilton (Ronald) Gartner of Interior and Lessie Dunker (Charles) Schoenfelder of Boise, Idaho; along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held one hour preceding the services at the Interior Community Center.

Military graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, at the Interior Fairview Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available on this site the day of the service.

Service Details

VISITATION
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Interior Community Center
Interior, South Dakota

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 - 11:00 a.m.
Interior Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

SPECIAL MUSIC
Special Music
"I'll Fly Away" - Charley Pride
"Amazing Grace" - Charley Pride
"How Great Thou Art" - Connie Smith

PALLBEARERS
Marty Mechaley - Brady Mechaley
Bruce Dunker - Sean Dunker
Shannon Gartner - Brett Gartner

Guest Book

I have fond memories of Roger when I was working out at the golf course and around Wall. He had a quick smile and a little dry humor for me each time I would run into him. He was such a nice man and I will miss his little smile. My thoughts are with all his family.
   ~ Wendy Allison Wall (2/1/2021)
Thanks for serving
   ~ A Veteran (2/2/2021)
Uncle Roger, I am going to miss you so much. You had a huge love for your family. You enjoyed spoiling us all so much. I will never forget the fun we had with the three-legged sled. I really did believe all those years I was your favorite niece. You had a way with making us all feel that special. I will love you forever.
   ~ Stacey Linde Brookings, SD (2/1/2021)
To the Family -- It was such a privilege to have known this man and to have called him a friend. We did not know him well, but are very grateful to the family for providing the times we got to enjoy his company and his cranberry bread! Both will certainly be missed. It was so much fun to see how long it would take to get him to smile, but all the kids had to do was to walk in the room and his face would light up. That alone showed what a special person he was. Thanks again for sharing him. Rest in Peace Uncle Roger. Smile for the angels!
   ~ Don & Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (2/3/2021)
It was a privilege to take care of Uncle Roger for the last two years at the veterans home. We had many giggle laughs and shared stories. He was known for being crabby.. but he always told me he loves me more. He had such a kind heart under all of that tough guy exterior. Miss you. See you later alligator...
   ~ Jen Mechaley Custer (2/6/2021)
My dear uncle Roger - You always smiled when you saw us. I wish we had gotten to spend more time with you. Rest in Peace.
   ~ Bonnie Johnson Jefferson City, MO (2/3/2021)
I will miss my big brother. His stories and jokes were priceless. His love of his family and friends will be treasured.
   ~ Lessie Schoenfelder Boise Idaho (2/2/2021)
Marilyn, Pete, and Lessie - Sorry to hear of Roger's passing. The Interior Community lost another good one. Enjoyed playing softball with Roger and listening to his stories at Badlands Standard.
   ~ Tim Lester Austin, TX (2/1/2021)
Dear Roger, Thanks for being my big brother. I am so happy I got to spend your last days by your side. I know you recognized my voice each time I talked to you because you would give a tiny smile, a tiny nod, or open one eye just a tiny bit. Take care Roger, until we meet again. I love you and I know your standard answer, "I love you more."
   ~ Marilyn Gartner Interior SD (2/1/2021)

Flowers

Image
Family - "U.S. Airforce"
Image
Lessie, Chuck, Katie, Wil, Jeff, and Chelsea