Kenneth A. Hilton

Ken Hilton passed away on Feb. 2, 2026, peacefully at his home in Salida, at the age of 93.

Ken and his wife Carol moved to Salida in 1972, where they bought land and lived 49 years in the home he built with his own hands. He was most known for owning the only feed store in town, the Salida Feed Store, which he opened in 1972 and ran until he sold the business in 1994. He loved his work and often stayed late to make sure everyone had their livestock fed.

Ken was a true cowboy through and through. He lived the ranching life with grit, humility and a generous heart, always giving everything he had to others. The land, the open skies and his animals were his peace, and there was no place he'd rather be than on his ranch talking to his cows, doing honest work and living simply.

Ken was married twice during his life. He was first married to Kathryn in 1949 and married again in 1972, when he was able to share 53 loving years of marriage with his wife Carol. Family meant everything to him, and he found his greatest joy being surrounded by those he loved.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Karen (Mac) Hilton-McCallum, Sandra Hilton, Julie (Don) Stephens, Cari (Jeff) Krueger and Kendra (Aaron) Campbell; and by his only son, Gary Hilton. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by father, Albert Hilton; stepfather, Leslie Houchens; mother, Leta Houchens; brother, Max Hilton; and sister, Betty McCall.

Ken spent his retirement enjoying coffee and scratching lottery tickets with his friends at Loaf N Jug or driving around in his favorite Toyota truck, "TOEJOE," which ultimately couldn't outlive him or he would have ridden it off into the sunset. Mealtimes meant biscuits and gravy at the Patio Pancake Place or dinners having a steak at Quincys, and if the weather was just right his favorite place to eat was on the patio having a cookout. He also loved August in Wisconsin where he could drive the tractors and cut hay or help thrash grain. He liked to camp, fish, spend weekends at Cripple Creek, and he could often be found eagerly waiting outside for the next big family adventure. Later in life he spent most of his time driving around Salida watching all the changes that were taking place.

Ken will be remembered for his kind spirit, steady hands and the cowboy way he lived his life – rooted in hard work, generosity, love for family and respect for the land and animals he cared for. His legacy will live on through those who were blessed enough to know him.

"Oh, the last goodbye's the hardest one to say, And this is where the cowboy rides away" – George Strait.

Forever loved and greatly missed.

A celebration of his life will be held this summer.

To honor Ken's love for agriculture, the family wishes for donations to be made to the Colorado Cattlemen's Agriculture Land Trust at CCALT.org in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. Online condolences can be offered at LewisandGlenn.com.