William Lee “Bill” Hilt, age 90 of North Judson, Indiana passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026 surrounded by his family.
He was born May 31, 1935 in Winamac, Indiana to Floyd and Emma (Green) Hilt. He served two years in the United States Army and he was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Knox. Bill lived a life rooted in hard work, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family. On June 15, 1963 he married the love of his life, Vi (Goold) Hilt. He started his career with the Starke County Street Department, Starke County CO-OP in Hamlet, Rockwell International and when they closed he bought his first semi-truck and became an independent steel hauler. After retirement, he was manager of Knox Super Wash and drove for Williams Broken Arrow Asphalt. He was also Center Township Precinct Committeeman for many years. He loved fishing, trapping, hunting, and playing bunco and card games.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vi Hilt, his daughter, Darla Ambrose (Todd) of North Judson, grandsons, Brock Russell (Amanda) of LaCrosse, Tyler Russell (Blythe) of Fort Wayne, Granddaughters, Brynlee Ambrose and Baylee Ambrose of North Judson, great grandsons, Chandler Russell, Kutler Russell, Owen Russell and Vance Russell, and a great granddaughter, Mylee Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Emma (Green) Hilt, and favorite uncle, William “Bill” Green of Winamac, and his three sisters, Betty, Mary Jane and Etta Belle.
Funeral services will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 1pm (CT), with visitation two hours prior to services, at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox. Burial and military graveside services will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Hamlet.
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Upcoming Events
Visitation
11
May
153 E. Washington St
Knox, IN 46534
Service
11
May
153 E. Washington St
Knox, IN 46534
Cemetery Details
Location
2250 N. 600 E.
Hamlet, IN 46531
