Jerry Max Hilton

Jerry Max Hilton, a lifelong Presbyterian, was born in Springfield, MO and graduated from Missouri Valley College (1961), received an M.Div from McCormick Theological Seminary (1964), and earned his D.Min from Dubuque Theological Seminary (1982). Jerry Max served churches in Hobart, OK; Aurora, MO; Marshall, MO; Enid, OK; and Midland, TX. He retired in 2004 and served interims in Las Vegas, NV; Sammamish, WA; Wichita, KS; and Fort Scott, KS.

Jerry was active in the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital and the American Heart Association and Board of Trustees at both Schreiner University and Missouri Valley College. He was a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Jerry and his wife, Mary, were avid campers and travelers. Jerry loved fishing and reading and being with his family. As a pastor, Jerry believed that “one must know where they stand theologically, but rather than being rigid, he or she is by necessity, a learner and pilgrim who is sensitive to the Spirit. In the company of other pilgrims, this has been my aim.”

Jerry was known for his infectious laugh, his easy demeanor, his powerful preaching style and his optimism and love of life. He made friends with everyone he met; from the person that served him his coffee, to the nurses and doctors that worked with him after his diagnoses of Interstitial Lung Disease. Jerry was a long-time trumpeter and was involved with various bands and orchestras. He learned to fiddle after retiring and loved any live jams he could join. He could talk philosophy, world religions, history, or trout season in the Ozarks. His theology was such that made the Holy Trinity accessible to all and his relationship with the Lord was evident in everything he did.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Hilton, of John Knox Village, Lee’s Summit, MO. Jo Hilton and son-in-law, Scott Peters, of San Antonio, TX. Carla Rowlett and son-in-law, Delvin Rowlett, of Lee’s Summit, MO. Other family include, Michael Price, of San Antonio, TX, Jim Morris of Bridgeport, CT, and Destriani Nugroho of Jakarta, Indonesia.

There will be a family service this fall. Memorials can be made to the Ugandan Water Well Project care of First Presbyterian Church, Midland, TX.