William Samuel Hilton

HILTON William Samuel Hilton, 69, of Lake Ozark, finished the race strong and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 21, 2007, in Springfield, Missouri. William was born April 21, 1938, in Jefferson City, Missouri the son of Waldo Earl and Susie (Forester) Hilton, who preceded him in death. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He taught mathematics and coached golf at Mexico Senior High School from 1961-1966. Mr. Hilton joined AP Green Refractories Co. in 1966, as their safety supervisor. He held the position of labor relations manager until he retired in 1995. William was active in the local community serving on the Mexico Public School Board from 1983-1989. Mr. Hilton served as Board President for five years before retiring in 1989. He served six years on the board of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hilton served on many other community service groups during his tenure in Mexico. He is survived by his loving wife Linda of 45 years; two daughters, Kelli Lynne Sprouse and her husband Finch, Springfield, Mo. and Traci Lee Hedrick and her husband Daniel of Springfield, Mo.; two brothers, Mr. Earl Hilton and his wife Carol Ann of Richmond, Va., and Mr. Larry Hilton and his wife Paula of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Ms. Linda (Sue) Hilton; five grandchildren, Lindsey and Sarah Kate Sprouse and Tyler, Parker and Brady Hedrick. William will be missed by all his family and friends. His memory has made a lasting impression to all that knew him. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tues., May 29, 2007, at the Gorman-Scharpf funeral home. Grave side services will follow at Rivermonte Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Campus Crusade for Christ or the American Lung Association in his honor and sent to 2124 S. Oak Grove Ave., Springfield, MO, 65804.