Robert H. Wilton

Robert H. Wilton, age 92 of Carlyle, entered into rest on August 23, 2015, at Carlyle Healthcare Center.

Mr. Wilton was born on February 24, 1923, in Carlyle, Illinois, a son of Walter W. and Jennie L. (Baxter) Wilton. He married Olive L. Steggall on October 22, 1945, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. She preceded him in death on February 26, 2003.

Mr. Wilton is survived by 2 sons - Robert E. Wilton of Carlyle and Michael Wilton and wife Barb of Carlyle; 3 Grandchildren - David Wilton and special friend Stephanie Williams, Jenny Hotze -Wilton and spouse Reverend Katie Hotze-Wilton and Laurie Diamond; 4 Great-Grandchildren - Owen Hotze-Wilton and Courtney, Hollyn and Ian Diamond; and a daughter-in-law - Beth Wilton. Mr. Wilton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother - Ralph Wilton and a Grandson-in-law - Thomas Diamond.

Mr. Wilton proudly served the Army in World War II under the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (S.H.A.E.F.). He was the Regional Director of the Boot and Shoe Workers Union, a Clinton County Board member, Carlyle City Clerk, and Chairman of the Clinton County War Memorial. Bob managed Carlyle's team in the Clinton County Baseball League, and was elected to the Clinton County Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an avid fan of all St. Louis Sports teams. Mr. Wilton was a member of First United Methodist Church, Carlyle V.F.W. Post 3523, Carlyle American Legion Post 404, Centralia Elks BPOE Lodge #493, and Scott Lodge #79. He was a talented musician, and during his military service Bob played in the "S.H.A.E.F. Invaders" band and later in the "Jack Scott Band." He was the Post Bugler for the V.F.W. and American Legion, and played Taps at many a Memorial Day Celebration and military services. Bob began playing Taps at veterans' services when he was 9 years old and played well into his 80's. He played at over 700 Veterans' services.

A Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle with Pastor Keith Michaels, officiating. Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery in Carlyle with military honors. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. and at the First United Methodist Church on Thursday morning from 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Wilton may be made to Carlyle High School Music Department or to the First United Methodist Church General Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home. Previous EventsVisitation
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zieren Funeral Home 1111 Clinton Street
Carlyle, IL 62231 Visitation
Thursday, August 27, 2015
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM First United Methodist Church 751 Franklin Street
Carlyle, IL 62231 Funeral Service
Thursday, August 27, 2015
10:00 AM First United Methodist Church 751 Franklin Street
Carlyle, IL 62231 Graveside Service
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Carlyle Township Cemetery 1076 Lake Road
Carlyle, Illinois 62231 Graveside service with military honors will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery. Immediately after the graveside service, a luncheon will be served at the First United Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial Contribution Carlyle High School Music Department 1461 12th Street
Carlyle, IL 62231 Visit website First United Methodist Church 751 Franklin Street
Carlyle, IL 62231