Obituary for Nicholas Hilton

Nicholas “Nick” Jay Hilton passed from this life on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Via Christi Saint Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Nick was born at the Naval Air Station Agana, Island of Guam on May 25, 1960 to Norman and Betty (Livingston) Hilton.

Nick graduated in 1978 from Ponca City High School, was a member of Chorale and NJROTC, where he received the Distinguished Freshman Cadet award. In furthering his interests and education he received an Associate’s Degree in Jewelry Technology and a minor in Gemology in 1987 from Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas, and in 2011 he graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree.

At the age of 14 Nick began working at Bert & Ben’s. He was in the retail business for much of his life working as a Sales Associate for JC Penney’s in Ponca City, a Jeweler/Gemologist at Treasurer’s Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, Spray’s Jewelry in Ponca City, Jackson’s Jewelry in Blackwell, Grimes Jewelry in Arkansas City, KS, and as the Jewelry Department Manager at Wal-Mart in Winfield, KS. He also had his own business Hilton House Jewelers.

He was active in DeMolay’s, Boy Scouts, Ponca City Theater, and was a Thirty-second degree Mason. He donated much of his time as an adult working with kids and teens, as a mentor, foster parent, and substitute teacher.

Nick enjoyed estate sales, playing computer solitaire, good jokes, listening to music, singing, hanging out with friends, and tinkering with anything he could take apart and put back together. He was an OU fan, a Star Trek Trekker, and really loved cars.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents on both sides, and his Aunt Peggy.

Nick is survived by his older sister and best friend Teresa Hilton Moses of Wichita, KS, her daughter Candice Moses and her significant other Matt “Diggy” Salamy of Norman, OK, older brother David Hilton of Gunter, TX, his sons Dave Hilton and wife Danette and their children of Melissa, TX, William Hilton and wife Jamie and their children of Ponca City, OK, and John Cotton of Moore, OK. Additionally, he is survived by aunts and uncles, his cousins the Altman’s, Remy’s, Jager’s, and Livingston’s.

Nick was funny, generous, kind-hearted, eager to please and wanted the best for everyone. His last act of kindness on earth was to be an organ donor, so that the quality of life for others could be improved. He will be greatly missed.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Ponca City, OK with Pastor Mark Berry of Eastern Heights Christian Church presiding.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Nick Hilton Memorial Fund at giveforward.com.