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TOP 19: Funeral services scheduled for retired East Texas Green Beret, 3-time Purple Heart recipient

Hilton “Bear” Bryant died January 31, at Palestine Regional Medical Center in Palestine, at the age of 75.
Credit: Bailey and Foster Funeral Home
Hilton "Bear" Bryant (1943-2019)

PALESTINE, Texas — *Editorial Note: This story was originally published on February 12, 2019. 

Services have been scheduled for a highly decorated East Texas veteran who passed away in January.

Hilton “Bear” Bryant died January 31, at Palestine Regional Medical Center in Palestine, at the age of 75. He was born on July 3, 1943 to Lottie Cargle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Hilton enlisted in the Army the day after his high school graduation in 1960 and went on to have an honorable 22-year career in the military.

He was never boastful of his military achievements, preferring humility and reservation about his accomplishments, according to his obituary. 

Soon after completing boot camp, Hilton applied to Airborne school and later earned the distinction of Special Forces, Green Beret. 

At the time of his retirement from the Army, he was part of the 68th ADA 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.

During his career, he earned many decorations and medals, including two Bronze Star Medals in 1968 and 1972 for his “outstandingly meritorious service” in Vietnam and three Purple Hearts (1965, 1969, 1971) earned for service, also in Vietnam, according to his obituary.

Hilton and his wife, Beverley, settled in Palestine in 1983 upon his retirement from the Army.

Hilton has tirelessly served his community for the last 35 years. 

Over the last several decades, he has been a member of numerous organizations including:

  • Feagan’s Lodge #17
  • Charles A Spikes Military Consistory #323
  • Al Kerak Temple #194
  • American Legion Post 573
  • The Phylaxis Society
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars

He was a loyal and active member of the local chapter of the Vietnam
Veterans of America, where he served in many capacities throughout the years including Vice President, Director and Commander of the Honor Guard.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 23, at 1 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 991, located at 727 Gardner Drive in Palestine.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 991.

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