Chris Hilt was my only brother, and I always considered him my “little” brother. We became very close over the years after despising each other during our childhoods. I always said that it was a matter of which penitentiary we would have to go to visit him. He became an outstanding man whom I trusted with my secrets and plans.
Chris helped to coordinate the Annual Hilt Campout at Current River. He floated at the back of our crew every year saving Mom, my kids and local strangers from the rushing current. One year no one could join us, so it was me, my boys, and Uncle Chris for the annual campout. That year’s memories are some of my favorite memories. Chris was the key person for our camp and float.
Chris was on “The Latenight Porkers” that won “Memphis in May” competition in Memphis. He often catered or competed in the Southern Illinois area.
He worked as a professional carpenter for Klainey Construction, building beautiful homes in Southern Illinois.
Chris was very important in my life journey, and I considered him one of my best friends. He was an insightful soul in a chaos-ridden world. We relied on each other very much over the years.
When I worked for KMOX as a Cardinal Baseball Specialist, Chris was my constant companion at Cardinal games. He would be ready for a call anytime the Cards were in town. Often the General Manager’s tickets behind home plate were dropped on my desk at 4pm for a 7:15pm game at Busch. These were the very best seats in the house. Chris was always ready for my call and made it most nights in time for the game. My time in baseball was particularly special because of my partnership with Chris.
When he was dying from lung cancer he was wonderful and kept the nurses in stitches during his month-long stay in the hospital. Saying goodbye to him in South Carolina was one of the hardest things in my life. I loved him very much.
Growing Up Hilt 