Hilton Thompson

Hilton Coleman Thompson of Burton, Texas, passed away at age 79 on October 27, 2024.

Hilton was born on August 19, 1945 at the Burton Hospital in Burton, Texas to James Allen and Flara (Green) Thompson. The youngest of four children, he was the unexpected surprise. Hilton spent his formative years in Burton and rural Lee County. He attended school in Burton.

It was there in Burton he developed a strong work ethic, working for Howard Matthies at Matthies Grocery. But greener pastures lead him to follow his brother Jimmie to the pipeline, working as an oiler. These travels took them on many adventures as members of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

While in the Dakota’s pipelining cabling for missile silos with Jimmie, Hilton received word he had been drafted by the US Army. He fulfilled his duty to serve our country in October 1969. Serving a first tour of duty as an infantryman, he reenlisted as a door gunner on a UH-1 Huey helicopter crew. During this service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement during aerial flight.

During leave, visiting his brother’s farm in Tennessee, he was introduced to Joan. After a short courtship, they wed on July 13, 1971. They were married for 51 ½ years.

Hilton completed his service to our country in April of 1972, returning to the construction and equipment industry with the IUOE. Early on they resided in Sierra Vista, Arizona near Fort Huachuca and later moving to Houston, Texas. It was in Houston where Hilton’s mechanical career excelled in the crane and lifting industry as a certified technician on Grove, Manitowoc and Galion cranes.

In 1986 they returned to Burton to reside full time and opening Thompson’s Repair Service where he was a fixture of the community, repairing equipment of all colors until his retirement in 2010.

Hilton served two terms as a member of the Burton city council and was a past president of the Burton Volunteer Fire Department. He was also one of the original members of Operation Restoration, the group of locals that rallied to save the Burton Farmers Gin. As the leader of the engine room, he was the first to awaken the “Lady B” from her slumber. He was an active member of the Sharecroppers antique tractor club and enjoyed tinkering with old iron with his son.

Hilton was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan (Brake) Thompson, daughter Lorie Jane Thompson, siblings Annie Lorene Gould & husband Harry, James “Jimmie” Thompson and wife Doris, Mildred Wetjen & husband Leroy.

Survivors include: Son: Juston Thompson and daughter-in-law Ursula Darden, TN, Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel, Brenham, Texas. Pastor Larry Ideker will officiate the service. Following services, burial will take place at Beaman High Prairie Cemetery, Dime Box, Texas.

Pallbearers for the service will be Charles Chovanec, John Gould, Murray Kieke, Jared Stanley, Richard Wegner and John Wetjen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the upkeep of Beaman High Prairie Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Tina Wernecke with memo being Beaman High Prairie Cemetery. The mailing address is 1221 CR 121, Giddings, TX 78942.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.