Gary Ray Hilton

Gary Ray Hilton, 75, of Augusta, KS, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta, KS. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Augusta, KS.

Gary was born on August 5, 1950 to James Lee Hilton and Betty (Schmale) in Pittsburg, KS, They later divorced. Gary and his brother, Dan spent their childhood years living with their grandparents Edwin and Ruth Schmale in Palmer, KS. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Palmer, KS.

Gary graduated from Linn High School in 1968. There he met his high school sweetheart, Betty Stolte in 1966. They were married on October 25, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church, Linn, KS. They became the parents of two sons, Lance James and Chad Mikel.

Gary joined the United States Air Force in the spring of 1970. His tour of duty took him to Clovis, New Mexico, Ubon Thailand, Topeka Kansas, and Little Rock Arkansas. His love of working on aircraft brought Gary and Betty to Salina, Kansas upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1974. He started his career at Beech Aircraft and was transferred to the Wichita Facility in 1986. They made Augusta their home in 1987. He retired in 2014.

Gary and Betty loved camping and enjoyed visiting several of the State Parks in Kansas as well as Table Rock Lake. Fall River State Park became their home away from home where they also spent two years as Camp Hosts at the park.

One of his greatest joys was being papa to his grandchildren. He loved going to their activities and enjoying lake time and fishing with them.

Gary enjoyed playing the guitar and the jam sessions at the Augusta Senior Center as well as the Walnut Valley Festival.

His love of building and flying RC airplanes became a family affair. That love was also passed down to his sons and grandchildren.

Gary deeply loved his family and friends. Survivors include: sons, Lance Hilton and wife Karla of Augusta, KS, and Chad Hilton and wife Jamie of Newton, KS; grandchildren, Tiffany Hilton, Cassidy Hilton, and Parker Hilton; brother, Dan Hilton of Clay Center, KS; sister in law, Carol Walter and husband Larry.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Phillips and his stepfather, Sam Phillips; and grandparents, Edwin and Ruth Schmale.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 1500 Cron, Augusta, KS 67010 or Harvey County Remote Control Club (HCRCC), 401 SW 3rd, Newton, KS 67114.