David Hilson

David G. Hilson, 87, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Salamanca, NY, passed away January 13, 2011, following a short illness.

Born on July 8, 1923, in McMechen, WV, he was the son of the late Frank and Eleanor Hilson.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific during WWII. He participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After serving his country, David was employed by the B&O Railroad, and was a member of the United Transportation Union for 64 years. He operated a successful television-radio repair business, Big Dave's TV, for many years. He was a troop leader of Salamanca Boy Scout Troop 71 from 1960-1968. He was well known around Salamanca for the garden he had each year, and people still talk about the corn he grew. He was a member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the USS LCI National Association.

On his retirement, he moved to Tucson with his wife Nancy Eldridge Hilson, who preceded him in death in 2001. He married Ann Walquist Luck in November 2005, who survives him.

Also surviving are his daughters and son, Diane (Leon) Stallings, Livermore, CA, Sharon (David) Hilson, Tucson, AZ, Robert (Deborah) Hilson, Cloquet, MN, 3 grandsons, Graham (Lisel) Hilson, Eugene, OR, David J. Hilson, Los Angeles, CA, Eric Hilson, Oakland, CA, 3 granddaughters, Kasie (Bill) Kubilius, Salt Lake City, UT, Jenna (Jason) Nelson, Cloquet, MN, Danielle Hilson, Minneapolis, MN, 1 great-grandson, Jack Hilson, Eugene, OR, 3 great-granddaughters, Adrianna Nelson, Isla Nelson, Cloquet, MN, Teia Hilson, Eugene, OR, sister-in-law Bertha Hilson, and nephews, Richard Hilson, John Hilson, and Greg Hilson of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son David G. Hilson II, and his brothers Frank Hilson, Edward Hilson, and Clyde Hilson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Crawford Cemetery, with Joshua Schallert, pastor of the United Congregational Methodist Church, officiating.

Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.