Hilton Dean Mahan was born on Jan. 3, 1954 in San Saba to Weldon and Virginia Mahan. He graduated from Richfield High School in Waco in 1972. He continued his studies at Howard Payne University in Brownwood while living with his grandparents on the Mahan Ranch, where he assisted Rex Mahan, “Papa,” with the ranch responsibilities. Hilton joined his grandfather in becoming a member of the “Brown County Sheriff’s Posse Riding Club” and attended many parades and rodeos throughout his college career. Hilton graduated from Howard Payne in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Business.

Hilton served as the treasurer of Mahan Land and Cattle, LP (based in Silverton) with his brother, Weldon and sister, Celia for the past four years. Hilton spent much of his life analyzing the cattle market and became the inspiration for his brother and sister-in-law’s venture into the Wagyu cattle business (Mahan Wagyu, Inc.). He spent much of his life in transportation beginning with Central Freight lines as a truck driver in the 70s and 80s and continuing with various companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he lived for many years. His most recent community of several years was Keller, where he made a lot of dear friends who were by his side up to his passing.

Hilton was very adventurous over the years with scuba diving, rock climbing, and snow skiing. Hilton’s strong character and sheer will aided him in battling lung cancer valiantly over the past year. He passed away peacefully at Baylor Scott and White Hospital of Grapevine. Hilton was a devout Christian and felt the presence of the Lord in his life strongly throughout his years.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rex and Polly Mahan, Melba Moore Mitchell, John Moore, “Daddy Bill” Mitchell and Uncle Max Mahan.

He is survived by his parents, Virginia Jenkins and Weldon Mahan; his brother, Weldon Mahan, Jr. and sister, Celia Lightfoot; sister-in-law, Jennifer Mahan; nephews, Weldon John Mahan and Dylan Lightfoot; step-mother, Phyllis Mahan; aunt and uncles, Jean and Don Tombaugh, Rex Mahan, Jr. and cousins Rusty Mahan, Aubrey Mahan, Dane Mahan, Kim Mahan Hamrick, Richard, John and David Tombaugh.

Hilton will be greatly missed by his loved ones. According to his wishes, he was cremated and a graveside gathering will be held later for the immediate family.