LEWISTON — It is with regret we announce the passing of Robert N. Hilts on Sept. 26, 2017 at C.M.M.C. in Lewiston, while surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on Sept. 14, 1930, in Oneida, N.Y., the son of Iona (Stokes) and Ernest Hilts. He spent some of his childhood in Canastota, N.Y., attending school and working on one of the local farms. After an auto accident took the life of his father, the family moved to Richmond, where he finished school and worked at the local Red and White store.

In 1950 he joined the U.S. Marines and upon the completion of boot camp was sent to Korea. His unit made the Inchon Landing and fought in the Chosin Reservoir. He was a proud marine. He always said having the title “Marine” was something you earned, not given and once a Marine you are always a Marine.

Upon returning home he attended a trade school in Boston where he learned his machinist skills. After returning to the Auburn area, he married Lillian Tripp, and started a family. She passed away from cancer in 1971. In 1972 he married Donna Smith with whom he spent the next 45 years.

He worked many years in the local shoe shops as a foreman and finished out his career working as a machinist for Miller Industries and Motor Power. He could make or fix anything.

He was the most giving person you would ever meet. He will surely be missed by all he touched and all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife. Donna; his three sons, Robert Hilts Jr., Galen Hilts, Raymond Hilts; two daughters, Cheryl Hilts and Tina Hilts; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. They were his pride and joy.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, an infant son, Ronald, sister, Alma Robertson and brother, Ernest Hilts.

A special thank you to the nurses of the C.M.M.C. Intensive Care Unit who took special care to keep him comfortable in his final hours.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Robert’s online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Robert N. Hilts