Paul L. Hilt (89) of Watson

Paul L. Hilt, 89, of Watson, IL, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022, at Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Effingham surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Paul was born on July 3, 1932, in Effingham, IL, the son of Houston and Gertie (German) Hilt. He married Linda Kruger on April 13, 1957, and she survives. Paul served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. For many years, he worked in the field with heavy equipment for Blaw-Knox out of Mattoon, IL. Paul was a member of the Watson United Methodist Church in Watson, IL. To say Paul had a great love for the outdoors was an understatement. He especially loved fishing and mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed listening to southern gospel music and simply sitting on the porch. Paul cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda Hilt of Watson; children, Vickie (Gary) Schoenhoff of Effingham, Debbie (Ron) Miller of Shelbyville, Paula Antrim of Effingham, Nancy Larimore of Effingham, Carol (John) Hanna of Mason, and David (Denise) Hilt of Effingham; grandchildren, Jaymie (Jared) McCammon, Stephanie (Moises) Saabredra, Andy Miller, Brian (Miranda) Miller, Aaron Antrim, Levi (Jeanna) Antrim, Ashley (Bryce) Reiss, Chloe Larimore, Kyle Larimore, Carter Larimore, Cortney Hanna, Easton Hanna, Rachel Hanna, Maci Hanna, Taylor (Jonathan Perkins) Hilt, and Kacie (Deano) Tull; and 16 greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Hilt; and sisters, Alberta Apke and Bernice McClure.