Loyd “Gene” Tilton, 86, of Quinter, KS, passed away on September 27, 2024, in Salina, KS. Gene was born on October 1, 1937, in Quinter, KS to Loyd A. and Helen (Martin) Tilton. Being a lifelong resident of Quinter, Gene leaves a lasting legacy of family devotion and community development.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd A. and Helen Tilton; his father-in-law, Lloyd Bear; his grandson, Michael Tilton; and his son-in-law, Floyd Blackwill, Jr.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith (Bear) Tilton, and his sister, Joan Gitchell.
Gene's memory lives on through his children: Don (Charla) Tilton, Carol (Robert) Walt, Susan (Dave) Jones, Ron (Susan) Tilton, Jill (Floyd, Jr.) Blackwill, and Robin Muhlheim. His grandchildren, who brought him great joy, include Lance (Erin) Tilton, Jamie (Dathan) Jamison, Amanda (Matthew) Coble, Tina (Lee) Sells, Tammy (John) Malinowsky, Brian (Jana) Walt, Melissa (Charles) Miller, Amanda (Jason) Trahan, Parker (Materason) Tilton, Liam Tilton, Rachel Tilton, Trevor (Katie) Blackwill, Trent Blackwill, Madeline Muhlheim, and Sam Muhlheim.
Gene was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, including Anabell, Mia, and Maddox Villalaz; Gracie Coble; Amaya and Corbin Jamison; Quinn Tilton; Teghan (Brandon) Groff; Tayler (Corbin) Schoenthaler; Tanner (Paige) Sells; Tillie, Chad, Stan and Radley Malinowsky; Madison, Quintin, Aceton and Keaton Walt; Owen and Liam Miller; Emmalyn and Taelynn Trahan; Braelyn, Easton and Tripp Blackwill.
Additionally, he is survived by his great-great-grandsons, Ty and Cal Schoenthaler.
Gene devoted his life to raising, buying and selling cattle and farming. His life was a testament to love, dedication, and hard work. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A public visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., both at the Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS 67752. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Baker Township Cemetery. A meal will be served at the Fellowship Hall after interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Quinter School District. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Memories and words of support may be shared with the family by signing the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.