Hilton Johnson

1939 - 2023

Hilton "Bud" Johnson, 83, of Lake Stevens, WA passed away on May 21, 2023 of natural causes.

Hilton was born June 23, 1939 in Mangham, LA to Gip and Mollie Belle Johnson. He grew up in Bastrop, LA with his brother Alton and many family and friends. Hilton graduated from Bastrop High School in 1958 and Louisiana Tech in 1962.

While in high school, Hilton met his future wife Anne Bagwell. They were married in December of 1963 and had three children: Michele Lindberg, Greg Johnson and the late Bob Johnson. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this December 28th.

After graduating from college, Hilton entered Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, commissioning as Ensign later that year and earning his Naval Aviator wings in 1964. While based in San Diego, Hilton served on two cruises of the USS Yorktown, flying S-2 anti-submarine aircraft. He retired from the Navy Reserves in 1972 as Lieutenant Commander. After the Navy, Hilton flew as a commercial airline pilot for Western Airlines (19 years) and Delta Airlines (12 years), retiring as Captain in 2000.

Following his retirement, Hilton spent his time helping to take care of son Bob and "flying" his John Deere tractor while taking care of the Lake Stevens property. He continued flying recreationally with Bob well into his retirement.

Hilton was predeceased by his father Gip, mother Mollie Belle and son Bob. He is survived by wife Anne, children Michele and Greg, brother Alton, and nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on June 28 at 2:30pm.