Gilbert J. Hilt

Gilbert J. Hilt, 86, of Shelbyville passed away Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility in Columbus. Born July 11, 1921, in Fairhault, Minn., he was the son of Noah and Mary Ellen (Talbert) Hilt. He married Marjorie Lois Han on February 23, 1946, and she preceded him in death on January 12, 1995. Survivors include his sons, Christopher J. Hilt of Flagstaff, Ariz., Eric D. (wife, Barbara) Hilt and Jonathan M. (wife, Sheila) Hilt, both of Shelbyville; brother, Harold Hilt of Rushville; sister, Joyce Eliott of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Brandy Craig, Whitney Kincade, Andrew Hilt, Noah Hilt, Philip Hilt, Lisa Hilt, Adam Hilt and Curtis Hilt; step grandchildren, Eric Aldridge and Terry Aldridge; and six great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeremy Forest Hilt on October 13, 2007; brother Charles Hilt; and sister, Imogene Runyon. Mr. Hilt moved to Shelbyville in 1950. He had been plant manager with Chambers Corp. for 15 years and plant manager for Bohn Aluminum and Brass in Greensburg for 20 years, retiring in 1984. Mr. Hilt was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific Theatre. He graduated from Milroy High School in 1940 and Rose Hulman University in Terre Haute in 1949, with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Hilt was a member of First Christian Church and BPO Elks Lodge, both in Shelbyville; Masonic Lodge in Milroy; and Greensburg Country Club. Visitation will be from 4 to7 p.m. on Wednesday at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Nathan officiating. Interment will be in Flat Rock Cemetery in Flat Rock, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Central, Indiana.