Donald B. Hilton, 76 of South Sioux City passed away suddenly Thursday, June 25, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm with masonic and prayer services beginning at 4:00 pm. All services will take place at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City.

Don was born the son of Roy Everett and Joye (Russell) Hilton on April 26, 1950 in Los Angeles, California. The family lived in Downey, California before moving to South Sioux City. Don graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1968. He continued as a lifelong learner, completing an apprenticeship program with Painters and Allied Trades Local 214, as well as completing courses through the George Meaney Institute and Western Iowa Tech.

Don married Rhonda Woodford on October 16, 1971 in South Sioux City where they made their home. He was a dedicated father to his four children, always involved in their interests and activities. He was a loving husband to Rhonda and they enjoyed over 54 years of marriage together.

Don was a proud union painter and decorator for many years, working in the field for over 30 years, also serving as the business representative for Local Union 214 Sioux City, Iowa for more than 25 years. He then served District Council 81 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) as a labor organizer, representative and negotiator, promoting fair wages and safe working conditions for workers and organizations. He was a member in good standing for over 54 years.

Regarded by family and friends as a true renaissance man, Don was a gifted artist and musician. He created beautiful drawings, paintings, carvings and so much more. Music played an important role in Don’s life and served as a meaningful outlet that helped form special bonds with each of his loved ones. He loved to sing and was a self-taught guitarist, learning several intricate pieces and enjoying a wide range of musical styles and genres. Having grown up during the Space Race, he had a lifelong love for the space program, astronomy and stargazing. A few of his heroes included Jacques Cousteau, Carl Sagan and many astronauts and historians.

In his free time, Don was an avid reader, traveler, antique collector, historian, and sports fan. In recent years, he and Rhonda traveled to Egypt and experienced the pyramids firsthand. He had a deep love for history, particularly the American Civil War, acquiring antiques and collectables and even participating in reenactments alongside his brother Bobby. His endless knowledge made him the toughest trivia match, a role in which he prided himself. Don had a strong appreciation for the outdoors as a skilled hunter and fisherman. Also an avid sports fan, Don cheered for the Minnesota Vikings, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and LA Dodgers. Ever the adventurer, Don also had hobbies that included piloting a Cessna Piper Cherokee, skydiving and scuba diving, where he was an advanced open-water diver and experienced dives in numerous locations throughout the world.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Rhonda Hilton; children, Angela (Eric) Schaffer of Wichita, KS, Brian (Melany) Hilton of South Sioux City, NE, Jerome (Kristal) Hilton of Blair, NE, and Kathleen (Dan) Knight of Omaha, NE. He is survived by his treasured grandchildren, Janee, Nicholas, Aaron (Tarah), Kaylee (Bradon), Brayden, Evelyn, Gage, Natalee, and Julian; great-grandchildren, Brian and Everett; and siblings, Robert (Peggy) Hilton and Linda (Gary) Backman, many nieces and nephews and his endeared Labrador Finnegan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, brother Gary Hilton and sister Dolores Hilton as well as many cherished dogs.

His loss is profound. Family and friends take comfort in knowing what a wonderful and exciting life he led. In looking back on his travels, his talents, his style and his deep love for family and friends, we find peace in knowing what an incredible journey he experienced in this life and are honored to have been able to share it with him. You simply have to ask yourself, "How the hell did that guy get to be so cool?"