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Gillies Funeral Chapel - Brigham City

634 E 200 South

Brigham City, Utah

Lynn Hilton Obituary

Lynn Mathers Hilton
1924 ~ 2020
On Wednesday, 12 Aug 2020, Lynn Mathers Hilton, loving husband and father of 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren, passed away at the age of 95 of natural causes. Lynn was born 3 Nov 1924 in Thatcher, AZ, to Eugene and Naomi (Savage) Hilton. Lynn's family then moved to Oakland, CA, for many years.
During World War II, he served his country honorably as a B-24 bomber pilot. After the war, Lynn served his first mission in the New England States Mission. Lynn married Hope Avarell in the Salt Lake Temple on 17 Dec 1948. He received his Ph.D. from the U of Chicago at age 27. He was Assistant Dean of Adult Education at BYU for 11 yrs. Lynn began his work by sending thousands of students to foreign nations. Part of his work led to the development of the BYU Jerusalem Center. In 1976, Lynn was commissioned by the Church to search out and find the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi's trail in Arabia. The focus of his life was his love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, sharing firesides, and doing missionary work. He was a well-read author, public speaker, and member of the Utah House of Representatives.
He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and served faithfully in the Church in many callings his entire life. After his first wife's death, he married Nancy Goldberg in the Salt Lake Temple on 26 May 2001. Together they faithfully served more than 5 full-time missions. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his sister Patricia (Shumway), and his 4 living children; Cynthia (Bowman), Polly (Richardson), Sheree (Benson), and Ralph Hilton. Preceded in death by his first wife Hope and his son Spencer.
Arrangements for the viewing are being done by Gillies Funeral Home, 634 E 200 S, Brigham City, Utah. A public viewing will be held Thursday 20 Aug from 6 to 8 PM. There will be a private family service on Friday 21 Aug at 11 AM.
Click this link to view additional details about Lynn's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/lynn-hilton.
If you would like to sign the guestbook, please leave a comment on the Gillies Funeral Chapel website http://www.gfc-utah.com
All friends and family are invited for a Military Honor guard graveside service at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Plat C, Block 8, Lot 5 at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid, BYU Pathway Program or any charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Aug. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Hilton

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Tom Hilton, Nephew

August 24, 2020

Uncle Lynn was a great influence for good in my life. May he rest in peace!

Rebecca Olsen Cowden

August 18, 2020

Lynn was the funnest, kindest dad in the neighborhood. He was An enthusiastic supporter of his children and so proud of them. I'll always remember the twinkle in his eye. Dear man. Love you Polly

Stephen Hilton

August 18, 2020

We loved Uncle Lynn and have always been thrilled with his accomplishments and loved his books. He will be missed but we are grateful for his release from mortality.

Carol B. Moss

August 18, 2020

I'm saddened to hear of Lynn's passing. It's an end of a powerful era of a man and his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to send my love and condolences to his precious wife, Nancy, who was my friend while serving at the Family History Library together. It was at the time that Nancy met Lynn, fell in love and married him. I miss you, Nancy, and am sorry our paths have separated due to Church service, distance and illnesses. Please know how much I cherish our memories together and pray for your peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit at this time. I send my love to you. Your friend, Carol Moss

Robert and Susanne Hilton Strange

August 17, 2020

Robert and Susanne Hilton Strange

August 17, 2020

Robert and Susanne Hilton Strange

August 17, 2020

Robert and Susanne Hilton Strange

August 17, 2020

God be with each family member at this time.
May the peace and comfort of our Savior encircle each of you.

Note: Pics of B-24 aircraft and its cockpit in which Uncle Lynn served as a pilot. He was very proud of that accomplishment and rightly so as it was a difficult a/c to fly.

Ralph Hilton

August 17, 2020

I love you Dad, thanks for all the great memories we had together. You have been faithful to the end!

Kimberly H Cope

August 17, 2020

Hello Dearest Family - Sending you love and big hugs. I loved and respected your Dad.. Dear Uncle Lynn. Much love to all of you. Cousin Kim

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6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Gillies Funeral Chapel - Brigham City

634 E 200 South, Brigham City, UT 84302-2712

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Gillies Funeral Chapel - Brigham City

634 E 200 South, Brigham City, UT 84302-2712

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