Marvin E. Hilton; Retired Air Corps Major

Marvin E. Hilton, a retired major in the Air Corps who flew during World War II, died Saturday at his home in Santa Paula. He was 78.

Hilton, who lived in Santa Paula 43 years, was born Jan. 25, 1918, in Ellensburg, Wash.

In World War II, he flew B-17s and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service from 1940 to 1945.

Hilton was a member of the Santa Paula Optimist Club for many years, and it was through the club that he served the youth of the city. He also taught Sunday school and was a deacon at First Southern Baptist Church in Santa Paula.

For 30 years, Hilton worked as a master mechanic on road construction for E. L. Yeager & Co.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Murrell Hilton; son Michael Hilton of Ventura; daughters Marilyn Hilton of Santa Paula and Merrie McWhorter, both of Santa Paula; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. today at First Southern Baptist Church, Santa Paula. Burial will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary, Santa Paula.

Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by cooperating mortuaries.