A life richly written.
From a Wisconsin childhood to the Army, the newspaper and financial services industries, the boardroom, and now the page — the story behind the author.
Faith, family, and
a life fully lived.
Robert L. Hilton, known to nearly everyone as Bob Hilton, was born in November 1952 in Beloit, Wisconsin — the middle child of three, who grew up across the driveway from his grandparents and never forgot what it meant to be rooted in family.
Bob's early years took him from Beloit to DeKalb, Illinois and Ames, Iowa before a family move brought him to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School and enrolled at Florida State University, where his studies were interrupted by a call to serve in the US Army. He served until midsummer 1974, then returned to FSU that fall.
It was back at FSU that destiny intervened. On September 13, 1974, Bob met Chris Ann Chapman. He proposed at the Homecoming PowWow on November 15, 1974. They married on August 2, 1975, and have built a life together ever since — blessed with three sons, Scott, David, and Stephen.
After graduating, Bob built a distinguished newspaper career. He began at the St. Petersburg Times, then moved to the Kansas City Star. From there he joined the Boca Raton News — a Knight Ridder paper — as Circulation Director. Within a short time he was named Vice President, Marketing, taking responsibility for both the circulation and advertising divisions. After seven years at the Boca Raton News, he accepted the position of Circulation Marketing Manager at the Wichita Eagle, also a Knight Ridder newspaper, where he earned his MBA summa cum laude while managing a large circulation department.
He later became a financial advisor at Raymond James in St. Petersburg, retiring January 4, 2023. Today Bob writes, plays violin, travels, and savors every moment with the people he loves. His writing draws on every chapter of that life — the disciplines of newspaper and financial services management, the conviction of a man of faith, and the warmth of a grandfather who still believes the best stories are the true ones.
Born, Beloit, Wisconsin
Middle child of three, raised close to family across generations.
US Army Service
Drafted and served with honor until midsummer 1974.
Married Chris Ann Chapman
Met at FSU in 1974; together ever since. Three sons: Scott, David, and Stephen.
St. Petersburg Times → Kansas City Star
Began a newspaper career that would span two decades and multiple major markets.
Boca Raton News (Knight Ridder)
Joined as Circulation Director; promoted to Vice President, Marketing — responsible for both circulation and advertising. Served seven years in total.
Wichita Eagle (Knight Ridder)
Joined as Circulation Marketing Manager. Earned his MBA summa cum laude while managing a large circulation department.
Retired from Raymond James. Writing begins in earnest.
Now writing, playing violin, traveling, and spending time with the people he loves.