Gregory Earlston Hilton

Gregory Earlston Hilton of East Lansing passed away on December 2, 2014 at the age of 68, in Little Rock, AR., after an extended illness. Born in Sturgis, MI on November 11, 1946 to the late Leo E. and Helen (Higginbotham) Hilton Tooley, Greg graduated from Sturgis High School in 1964, where he played football and tennis. He served in the Vietnam Conflict with the U.S. Marine Corp during the TET Offensive where he was wounded twice receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star as a result of his service. Upon returning from the war he attended Central Michigan University where he met his future wife, Suzette. After marriage Greg and Suzette transferred to Michigan State University where they continued their education before graduating in 1972. Greg and Suzette spent the next 45 years together. Greg was an entrepreneur and a successful businessman having organized and operated five durable medical equipment companies during his lifetime.

He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, following the MSU Spartans, attending two Rose Bowls. He also was a fan of the Detroit Tigers. His favorite place to get away was the cottage in Sturgis where he could fish to his heart’s content. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Haslett American Legion, the Bath Legion and his favorite “Cheers” bar, Buddies.

He is survived by his wife, Suzette E. Hilton; daughter, Shannon (Sean Smith) Hilton-Smith of Kalamazoo; son, Matthew Hilton of Honolulu, Hawaii and daughter, Adrianne Hilton of Hong Kong, China; sisters, Susan (Joseph) McGrath of Bedford, MA and Cindy Hildenbrand of Dothan, AL, grandchildren, Hailey Smith and Gabriel Smith, both of Kalamazoo, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 15, 11:00 a.m. at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI with the Reverend Andrew Pomerville officiating. Family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Michigan, 17779 E. 14 Mile Road, Fraser, MI 48206 or Michigan Legion 212 N. Verlinden Ave, Suite A, Lansing, MI 48915, please indicate Wounded Warrior & Returning Soldier Fund on memo line, in memory of Greg.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.

On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com