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- Elmer C. Hilts, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, died on Monday, March 02, 2015 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence. He was 92. He was born in Niagara Falls on October 23, 1922, the son of the late Midgley and Lottie (Shook) Hilts. A proud US Army veteran of WW II, Mr. Hilts served as a corporal in the 793rd Military Police Battalion and saw action in both Belgium and Northern France. His military service earned him two battle stars and the good conduct medal. He also had the opportunity to finish his overseas deployment playing drums with a US Army dance band in numerous venues throughout Paris. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945.
A long time employee of Union Carbide Corporation, he retired in 1981 as a production supervisor. He was also involved with its foreman’s club.
Elmer was an active man. He was a volunteer fireman with the Lewiston #2 Fire Company; a life member of the LaSalle Sportsman’s Club; played drums professionally for 35 years with numerous local acts, including the popular Jimmy-Mack Quartet; loved golf, and recorded a hole in one on two different occasions after his 80th birthday. He was a league bowler and was very proud of his two 700 sets. Elmer remarked numerous times that the most fun was had sharing his love of sports and music with his many friends and family. In recent years, Elmer volunteered at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda and worked spotlight duty for numerous productions and shows.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Messecar) Hilts in 1987 and a daughter, Karen Hilts. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (George) Kunecki; Thomas Hilts and Barbara Hicks all of Niagara Falls; Suzanne (Douglas) Deitzman and Marie (Jim) McCarthy both of Grand Island; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin, Robert Hilts and brothers, Donald, Loren and Jimmy.
Friends may call Thursday from 2-5:30 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, where services will be held at 5:30 PM. The interment will be private in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston.
Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Lewiston #2 Fire Company, 1705 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.
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