Frank Hilton of Norridgewock, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2018, at Togus Springs in Augusta, Maine, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Norridgewock, Maine, on December 9, 1929, son of Ralph B. and Lora (Yeaton) Hilton.Frank grew up in Norridgewock and graduated from Madison High School in 1947. He volunteered in the U.S. Army Signal Corps serving in Germany during the Korean War in 1951-53 with an honorable discharge.
Frank met his wife Shirley (Jackson) at the Farmers Fair dance at the University of Maine after being introduced by Frank’s sisters. After a friendship and courtship, they were married on March 20, 1954. Frank and Shirley started farming together in a partnership with his parents in Norridgewock on Sandy River Road. He was married 63 years to Shirley who predeceased him by 9 months.
Frank and Shirley ran a very successful dairy operation for over 50 years. Through their hard work and innovative farming practices, they grew the family farm from a few head of cows to the operation it is today. Among the awards they received for farming, included the Maine Dairy Farmer of the Year award in 1969 and the Maine Industry leader award in 1994 in recognition of their lifetime achievement in farming. Frank was instrumental in lobbying the Maine Legislature to form the Maine Milk Pool in the 1980s.
Frank was president of the Maine Holstein-Friesian Association in 1968-70, served on the Somerset County FHA loan advisory committee, and was a deacon and board of trustee for the First Congregational Church. He was a catalyst in the annual church chicken barbeque and pig roast.
They left a farm legacy to a third generation of Hilton Family Farmers in Norridgewock, selling the operation to one of their sons James and his wife Elizabeth. Frank was a hard worker and instilled his work ethic in his four children. He worked on the farm up to the age of 80 and lived on the farm until he died. He was always interested in the farm activities and wanted a “daily report” from his sons. He loved telling stories of growing up on the farm, about his youth and the many characters that he encountered.
In later years, Frank and Shirley enjoyed winter trips to Florida and exploring the west coast states. Frank’s life was enriched greatly by his four children, six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children: Thomas Hilton and partner Carol Axtell, Oakland, Maine; James Hilton and wife Liz, Norridgewock; Ann Cavanaugh and husband Dan, Klamath Falls, Oregon; Judith Tuttle and husband George, Benton, Maine. His six grandchildren: Jesse Hilton, Ben Hilton, Alex Hilton, Dr. Shannon Hilton, Robin Thompson, Samantha Pelkey and many great-grandchildren. His sisters: Ellen Savard, Caroline Sturtevant, Polly Andrews and Mary Shorey; and his brother Bernard Hilton and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sisters Rena McAllister, Louise Varnam and Jennie Hilton.
Special thanks to Dr. Richardson and Mary Beth whose concern and care for Frank helped him live with his life-long health issues. The family would like to also thank Togus Springs Hospice for their kindness and care in his final days.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, June 14, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave, Skowhegan. Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 15, at 1 p.m., First Congregational Church, 36 River Rd., Norridgewock. A processional and internment will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 10 a.m., from the Hilton Farm to his final resting place at Sunset View Cemetery, Rt. 2, Norridgewock.
Remembrances may be made to the First Congregational Church in Frank and Shirley’s honor.
