Hilton Carter, Age 91, was born June 30, 1928 in New Orleans, La. He passed away May 6,2020 at his residence. He was the first of two sons born to Helton and Lillian Carter. At a very young age he and his brother Daniel (deceased) migrated to New York City where they lived with their mother and his life would truly begin. Hilton attended P.S. 194, PS 5, Fredrick Douglass Junior High School, Seward Park High School, and City College where he studied business administration and law. Hilton, at an early age, joined the Air Force which took him to many states and abroad. In 1947, he was sent to Hawaii and from there to Guam and the Mariana Islands where he attended aircraft engine mechanic school to become an Aircraft Crew Chief which later took him to Okinawa, Japan, and China. Upon his return stateside in late 1948, he was assigned to Lockbourne Air Force Base where he met the love of his life Odessa. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1949, he continued to serve his country in the Air Force another nine years as a flight engineer. He also was a long time and honored documented original Tuskegee Airmen. After his discharge from the military reserves, he donated his flight suit and boots that he wore as the crew chief on the Chappie James Aircraft to the Motts Military Museum, Inc., Groveport, Ohio, which is currently on display there. July 3, 2018, Hilton was honored by the Ford Oval of Honor Independence Day parade board of trustees to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Red White and Boom parade. After Hilton and Odessa’s marriage in 1952, they relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he became active in the church and the Democratic Party. Upon his return to Columbus, Ohio, he continued to remain active in the Democratic Party. He was elected as 6th Ward Committeemen and County Central Committeemen. He also served/worked as Deputy Treasurer, Treasurer, and Deputy Auditor for the City of Columbus, Ohio, and Assistant Deputy Auditor for the State of Ohio. He retired from the Franklin County Board of Elections as Deputy Director.
Hilton was one of the first lectors for the Catholic radio/TV and Saint Dominic masses. He continued to serve as lector, president of the Saint Dominic Booster Club, the church building committee, and maintenance crew. Additionally, he served as an usher and on the bereavement ministry committee at Christ the King Catholic Church. He was a former co-owner of a produce business at the old Mount Vernon market and the North Market. Hilton was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was always stressing the importance of religion and education. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, fishing, talking politics, and spending time with family. Over the years, he in Odessa traveled extensively to many destinations around the country and abroad.
Hilton is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Odessa, daughter Paula (Dylan) Barrett, Gahanna, Ohio, daughter-in-law Beverly (Richard, deceased) Carter, Fort Worth, Texas, grandson, Michael (Lakeia) Robinson, Fort Worth, Texas, granddaughters, Nicole Carter, Cincinnati, Ohio, Kassidy and Shayna Barrett, Gahanna, Ohio, three great-grandsons, brother-in-law Willie Keaton, Columbus Ohio, sister-in-law Olivia (Daniel, deceased) Carter, Hollis, Queens, New York and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Organizations and Committees: Sixth Ward Committeeman Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee Ohio Democratic Party, State Elective Committee Franklin County Democratic Central Committee, Ohio Young Democratic Club Franklin County, Mayors Club, City of Columbus, Ohio, Concerned Citizens for Columbus Democratic Committee, Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree Council no. 400, General Assembly, Notary Public, Franklin County State of Ohio, Shepherd Community Association (Former) and Berwick Civic Association,
Awards: Congressional Gold Medal – 2007, Highest medal of honor for a civilian, Achievement Award by Concerned Citizens, State of Ohio – 1976, Ohio Management Advancement Program College of Administrative Service, The Ohio State University – 1971, Deputy Registrar Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Highway Safety – 1972, Defense of Mankind’s Service Award for Basic Rights to Life of Freedom and Dignity – 2007, Department of Veterans Affairs – Certificate of Appreciation – 2010, Legends and Legacies Tuskegee Airmen Honors – The King Arts Complex – 2012, Ford Oval of Honor, in honor of military service to our country – 2018, Grand Marshal of Red, White and Boom Parade, The Oval of Honor Independence Day Parade – July 3, 2018, Congressional recognition for service to our country by U.S. members of Congress (Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House) – 2012, Honor and commendation by City Council, Columbus, Ohio, Tuskegee Airmen Recognition – 2012, Living Legends of the Sky’s Award, Tuskegee Airmen. Board of Commissioners, Franklin County, Ohio – 2012, Legends and Legacies Award, Tuskegee Airmen, by members of the House of Representatives of the 129th General Assembly of Ohio – 2012, Inducted into the Civil Rights Hall of Fame, State of Ohio – 2012, American Legion Award of Appreciation Durwin-Sclhantz Post 138, Hamilton, OH, Scroll of Appreciation of Bright Star/Pine Cone III Exercise, Continental Air command, USAF, VFW Post 10523 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tuskegee Airman Inc – Ohio Memorial Chapter Education Grant Fund in Honor of Hilton Carter.
Private Visitation 11:30 AM and Funeral Service 12 PM with Military Honors to follow, Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
Internment to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery 6440 South High St. Lockbourne, OH 43137
my heart is deeply saddened by your loss. May God strengthen and sustain you and family in your grief.
DEAR ODESSA CARTER AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF HILTON. MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
To the family of Mr. Hilton Carter. Mr Carter was an extraordinary man, a family man and a man of God. Celebrate the wonderful life he lived and thank God for blessing your life with him. May God hold each one of you in his hands, during this time of sorrow and always.
God Bless and A Heartfelt Thank YOU for your service in WWII. Serving with The Tuskegee Airman in The Army Air Corps, knowing what the RED TAILS did overseas. Semper Fi. SIR.
RIP , With Military HONORS “The Eagle Has Landed”
Mr Carter was a patient at our office. I was so sorry to hear of him passing. He was such a nice man. He hadn’t been in a couple of years, but I sometimess thought about him. Praying for his wife and family. May he rest in peace.
MR HILTON CARTER, WAS ARE DEAR FRIEND, HE WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND , HE WILL BE MISSED, WE PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY, AND WIFE,, MAY HE SORE WITH, GOD. //// HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED SAMUEL&JOANNA MOORE
WE WILL SURELY MISS MR HILTON CARTER, HE WAS OUR DEAR FRIEND. WE WERE SADDEN TOHEAR OF HIS DEATH, WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. WE ARE PRAYING FOR THE , WIFE.. ODESSA , AND THE FAMILY. GO WITH GOD HILTON.
To my beloved Aunt Odessa, Paula and family. My heart is full of sorrow at the passing of my Uncle Hilton.
Uncle Hilton took time to talk to me and share interesting stories about New York. I told him about a movie I saw titled “A Bronx Tale”. I wanted to sit with him to watch this movie about a story of old New York.
He made me laugh with his serious face and funny teachings. He didn’t think he was funny, until he looked at my face and saw I was smiling. Then he smiled and said “Esther, I’m serious”. Then we both laughed.
May God grant you His Grace, Mercy and Peace.
Odessa, so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your happy memories with Hilton help you thru this sad time. God bless you all.
Please accept our warmest condolences, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
I pray for the families peace during this time of grief. I was given the honor of assisting this lovely military family and it was one of my biggest honors. Thank you Mr. Carter for you services. PEACE AND BLESSINGS
From the Toles Family
Mrs. Carter and Paula,
I am so sorry to hear Mr. Carter passed. My family sends their love and condolences to you both.
Odessa and Family, It was truly a honor and privilege to get to know Hilton and to serve him as his afternoon driver from NCR/ Share. He will be missed.
I did not know MR HILTON CARTER but I have been to the Mott’s museum and read your story your contributions and service will never be forgotten I SALUTE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SI
I did not know MR HILTON CARTER but I have been to the Mott’s museum and read his history his contributions and service will never be forgotten I SALUTE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIR/ GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE
Mrs. Carter, Paula, and Family, I would like to express my sincere condolences and prayers for you all. I always held Mr. Carter in high esteem for what he achieved, but more so for how he carried himself. He was a true blessing and role model!
Respectfully,
Bruce Coleman
THE CARTER FAMILY, MY DEEPEST DEEPEST CONDOLENCE OF AIRMAN MR. CARTER, THANK U FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESSED HIS FAMILY GIVE THEM COMFORT AND STRENGTH. HE’S NOW YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL. GOD BLESSED THE FAMILY
Rest in peace Mr. Carter you’re one of the greatest man nicest man I have ever met I’m so happy I had the pleasure of meeting you at the day care center You’re a great inspiration to our community At gaves me great pride to have Meet a Member of Tuskegee airmen
Dear Odessa and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We share your grief and wish you comfort and peace of mind.
May God provide you all with comfort in your spirit and strength in your faith during this time of sadness. We all stand on the Wings of Greatness and SSgt. Hilton Carter was made of that Greatness and high standards. “Fly Right Young Man” you have made US Proud Blessings to the family
To my Dear Carter family,
I send my prayers and love to
you each in the passing of Mr Hilton. May God Bless you in comfort and peace during this difficult moments of loss, but, Heaven’s gain.
God Is Faithful,
I have no affiliation with Mr. Carter other than I am a grateful American who very much appreciates his service to the United States. God bless you sir for your service and my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this time.
Hilton Carter is in heaven with our Heavenly Father.
May God wrap His arms around Odessa, his extended family, grant them comfort, peace, love, and understanding as only He can do.
Odessa, I am sorry for your loss. I am so happy that I was able to provide care for such a sweet person and to meet you. I pray for healing, for you and your family at this time.
Odessa, I am in your support group, and I just wanted to offer condolences for your loss. Your husband was truly an impressive person with such a distinguished life of service. He will be missed but I’m so glad you had such a wonderful life together! Take care. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I pray for the families peace during this time of grief. I was given the honor of assisting this lovely military family and it was my one of my biggest honors. Thank you Mr. Carter for you services. PEACE AND BLESSINGS
Odessa, I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss. Though I only knew him from church I liked and admired him. My family is sending you and family our prayers here from Garland, TX.
Denise
Dear Odessa and family I am so sorry for your loss . Hilton was a wonderful person and a wonderful neighbor. I will always remember him leaving fresh tomatoes in a paper bag on our patio table! I was honored to have him as a neighbor. Peace be with you
Bonnie Waters-Burch
Dear Odessa and family I am so sorry for your loss . Hilton was a wonderful person and a wonderful neighbor. I will always remember him leaving fresh tomatoes in a paper bag on our patio table! I was honored to have him as a neighbor. Peace be with you
Bonnie Waters-Burch