Wayne Hilton

Wayne Hilton obituary, Holland, MI

Wayne Hilton

Wayne Hilton Obituary

Published by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home on Sep. 1, 2020.
Wayne Thomas Roy Hilton 6/13/1942 – 9/1/2020 God gently called our precious Father/Gpa, brother, greeter and friend known as Wayne Hilton aka Mr. Happy, to his heavenly home on 9/1/2020. God blessed him with 78 years on this earth. Even though our hearts yearn for him, for his smile, joy, love, and outlook, we are comforted by knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his wife, and daughter along with many family and friends. No more cancer, and free of all the cares of this world. He has received his Heavenly reward as God surely said, Well done, thy good and faithful servant. He was known to many as a servant, as an inspiration, as an encourager, hero of the Faith, and more importantly as a friend to all. Always willing to help all, love all, and to serve all. If you met Wayne it was not long before you felt like family. He loved people with all his heart. He loved to talk to and greet people everywhere he went. He has always served as a greeter at his church Holland First Assembly of God. He worked at Life Savers for many years, then when it shut down in 2003, he went on to be a full-time greeter at the Holland Walmart. He loved greeting at both, his passion and love was always for people. Carrying on his legacy are his children Robert Hilton, Kim (Jeff) Vesper, Monica (LJ) Johnson, his grandchildren: Dustin, Corey, Keila, Summer, Kaleb, Jessica, Danielle, Ryley, Gage, Kaydence, and Chase; and great grandchildren Brycen, Jossalin, and Cody. Survived also by his siblings Sharon(Steve) Kirkwood, Glenn Hilton, Dale Hilton, Karen Joy Hayes, so many nieces, nephews, in laws, and cherished friends. Preceded in death by: His beloved wife Martha Paulette (Punkie), Daughter Melissa, Parents Rev Roy and Gladys Hilton, sister in law Linda Hilton and brother in law Larry Hayes, nephews Tommy Hayes, and Steven (Tony) Kirkwood. A funeral service to honor the faith and life of Wayne Hilton will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at Holland First Assembly of God, 1331 E. 16th Street, Holland 49423. Visitation will be 1:00-4:00 pm, Sunday, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland 49423, and from 11:00-12:30 Tuesday, outside at Holland First Assembly of God prior to the funeral service. Interment in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations to Holland First Assembly of God.

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Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2025

Virginia Sloothaak posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2023

Karen Wayner posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2020

Virginia Sloothaak posted to the memorial.

Virginia Sloothaak

August 28, 2025

Wayne was a great man of God. have known him since childhood. We will all see you soon.

Karen Wayner

August 28, 2023

I think of Wayne everytime I go to Walmart. I saw Jesus in him , greeting each person with a big smile, always positive and encouraging, and always ready to pray. I know he is enjoying his everlasting life with Jesus and all the people who have gone before him, he is home! I will see him someday, until then, I pray more people will let Jesus shine in a fallen and broken world, just like Wayne did, just doing what Jesus called us to, the Great Commission!
I love you Wayne, well done!
KarenWayner

Virginia Sloothaak

September 5, 2020

What a special man God called home. He was always the person to give a hug as he greeted me in Walmart. Went to church with him my whole life as well. We will miss him, but heaven received a saint.

Melissa Shoul

September 5, 2020

I met Wayne was I was a young mama many years ago. He had just started at Walmart and he was always so kind. He remembered my kiddos names and always gave them a sticker. The best part is he asked how I was doing each and every time. When you have young children people don't usually ask about you. My heart is heavy for this loss, but Im glad he will reunite with his wife. RIP Wayne❤

Bruce Adams

September 5, 2020

What a wonderful man of God he was truly Filled with the Holy Spirit and Faith! He is now in the Presence of Jesus. Bruce Adams

Cindy Murphy

September 4, 2020

Wayne was an inspiration to many. He brightened many folks day, mine too at Walmart with his Kindness & smile. He loved interacting with people. I’m going to miss saying hi to him on my trips to Walmart. Well done good & Faithful servant! Looking forward to the reunion in Heaven!

Jolene Wyngarden

September 4, 2020

My heart weeps with sadness at the loss of Wayne...he was always such a happy man and so kind.He would always greet me at Wal-Mart and give me a big hug and ask how my day was going.not complaining at all when we could tell he was having a bad day..he would still go through the day as though it was just like any other day without complaining..he tried to stay strong til the end and show everyone around him that he was so strong..and he had a beautiful spirit.
Never a ill word spoken about anyone.always positive and uplifting when he would help others..I'm so happy i was able to work with him and become friends with him in the year I've known him.he kinda caught the garter at my wedding reception..well with some hello from the baseball glove..picture is worth a thousand words...

Pepper Skinner

September 4, 2020

His happy face will be dearly missed. He left a joy with everyone he greeted and made a difference in peoples days. He was such a gentle reminder to smile everyday.

David Trammell

September 3, 2020

A true brother in Christ , Wayne was a little glimpse of heaven right here on earth.

Warren Paglow

September 3, 2020

There was a huge vacancy created in Holland this past week as my friend Wayne passed away. This man loved God, loved others, and loved the life that God gave him. He always greeted me at church with a smile and gave me one of those classic bear hugs that became his trademark. He was always interested in your problems and even though he had his share of problems as well: you would never know about them. He never complained and was always upbeat and did whatever he could to help address your problem. He was an encouragement to me at church and at Walmart where he demonstrated his abilities so well: faithfully serving others. And I know based on the posts that I have read: that he was successful into serving and touching all our hearts which will leave a lasting impression with us through the rest of our lives. The bible days that those who are considered greatest in the kingdom of heaven are the ones who serves others. Wayne did have a servants heart, and was a true reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, and has gone ahead of us to receive his reward in full. He will be sorely missed. I do not like goodbyes, so I say to you my dear friend: I will see you on the other side.

Warren Paglow

September 3, 2020

There was a huge vacancy created in Holland this past week as my friend Wayne passed away. This man loved God, loved others, and loved the life that God gave him. He always greeted me at church with a smile and gave me one of those classic bear hugs that became his trademark. He was always interested in your problems and even though he had his share of problems as well: you would never know about them. He never complained and was always upbeat and did whatever he could to help address your problem. He was an encouragement to me at church and at Walmart where he demonstrated his abilities so well: faithfully serving others. And I know based on the posts that I have read: that he was successful into serving and touching all our hearts which will leave a lasting impression with us through the rest of our lives. The bible days that those who are considered greatest in the kingdom of heaven are the ones who serves others. Wayne did have a servants heart, and was a true reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, and has gone ahead of us to receive his reward in full. He will be sorely missed. I do not like goodbyes, so I say to you my dear friend: I will see you on the other side.

Charles wilson

September 3, 2020

I knew Wayne for many years and loved him. I have not seen him for a very long time I
knew his smile the moment i saw his picture, I will see you soon my brother. GOD is good al the time.

Terri Sterk

September 3, 2020

So loved seeing Dad at Wal-mart for a number of years when I would stop to pick up Photos and other things. I always went to his door even if I was going to grocery. Such a light in this world and many seeds planted and watered for the Lord.

Paul, Kathi and Emilee Roden

September 3, 2020

His kindness, and smile will be so greatly missed forever when we go to Walmart! There was never a day that we went there when he wasn't greeting us with his infectious smile. Thank You Wayne for being a part of everyone in Holland and surrounding towns. May you rest peacefully in Heaven with your Father!
Paul, Kathi and Emilee Roden of Allegan, Michigan

Diana Patch

September 3, 2020

What a special lovely man! He will be dearly missed by his church and work family!

Carrie Esparza

September 3, 2020

We will miss him dearly, so much of joy and love shared by this man. A true man of God! Prayers to the family and loved ones. He always showed so much love to all around him.

Arturo Luna

September 3, 2020

I am so sorry this guy was amazing lights a room up and always brought a smile to your face every time n

Albert Brookhouse Brookhouse

September 3, 2020

I am thankful to have known Wayne and will miss seeing him smiling and greeting people to church and at Wall-Mart and just maybe he will be greeting many more people as they enter the gates of heaven, who knows but for now praying for peace for his family left behind.

Leslie Matthess

September 2, 2020

He was such a sweet man! I always enjoyed talking to him and he was always smiling! My condolences to the family, your in my thoughts and prayers~ RIP Wayne

Yolanda Ramos Ramos

September 2, 2020

Prayers for you and your family. He will be missed. I enjoyed working with him at Lifesavers and loved to see him when I walked into Walmart.

Karen Wayner

September 2, 2020

Bless the Lord who now has our great friend in his loving care. I am so blessed to have known this rare soul! He was a humble person, full of grace and had a fire in him for Jesus Christ! Those in his world will miss this shining star, but we are overwhelmed with happiness for him because he is now with the one he loved so much, Jesus!

Dawn Beck

September 2, 2020

So sorry for your loss worked with Wayne at Lifesavers and said hi to him at Walmart he will be missed.

kathy oliver

September 2, 2020

WE WILL MISS HIS SMILING FACE WHEN WE COME TO THE CHURCH AND AT WALMART WE LOVE U BROTHER WAYNE

Marita Perry

September 2, 2020

What a joy it was to have known Wayne. From our very first visit to Holland First, which later became our home church Wayne was there to greet us with a beautiful smile and a handshake. When we told him that we were moving to TX. he genuinely looked sad and told us he would miss us and I believe he did as every time we visited MI and Holland First, he welcomed us with such a smile and handshake. Then telling us he missed us. We love you Wayne. You were a friend and role model and inspiration to so many. Thank you for being our friend. Ken and Marita Perry, Austin TX.

kathy oliver

September 2, 2020

we will miss his smiling face when we come to the church and at walmart

Delbert Gann

September 2, 2020

Wayne was a wonderful roll model and is loved by many, I am going to miss him greatly.

Renee Hibma

September 2, 2020

So sorry for your heartache. Thank you for sharing Wayne with all of us. Our lives were always richer because of him.

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Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2025

Virginia Sloothaak posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2023

Karen Wayner posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2020

Virginia Sloothaak posted to the memorial.