Obituary of Gary Dean Tilton

Gary “Doc” Dean Tilton, age 78, formerly of Macomb, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in the early morning hours on Thursday, March 18th, 2021 surrounded by his family. A career civil servant, Doc served his country in the U.S. Navy as coxswain on an assault boat and in the Illinois Army National Guard as a mess operation staff sergeant in Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment. He retired honorably with over 25 years of military service. Doc served his Macomb community as a dedicated police officer for 20 years. He also served as chief of police in Coal Valley and Warsaw, Illinois as well as alderman on the Warsaw city council. In his spare time Doc enjoyed hanging out at The Office, the bar and restaurant in Basco, Illinois he co-owned with his wife. His other notable hobbies included fishing and restoring small historical cemeteries in rural areas with his friends and family, which he eventually turned into the non-profit organization, Forgotten Cemeteries. Doc earned the respect and admiration of everyone around him because he truly embodied the U.S. Army values of leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. He led a life committed to public service, his family and friends and in being kind to everyone. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a ready laugh that was beloved by all. Doc was predeceased by his parents, Wayman and Ruby Tilton and brother Jerry Tilton. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Vivian Tilton (formerly Carey); sons Donnie Phelps, Gary Tilton and his wife Lori and Dean Tilton; daughters Kathleen Snodgrass, Trina Munger and Amber Tilton and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), which are organizations Gary passionately supported. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.