John William Tilton

John William Tilton, 86, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Pueblo, Colorado. He was born on September 1, 1938, in Elizabeth, Louisiana, to John Morgan Tilton and Clara Lilly Tilton.

John proudly served his country as a U.S. Army veteran and went on to dedicate his career to public service as a sheriff in Prince George’s County, Maryland, retiring after many years of honorable service.

He grew up in Louisiana, raised his family in the suburbs of Maryland, and, for the last 27 years, made his home in the southern mountains of Colorado—where his heart truly belonged.

John’s life was filled with devotion to family and community. He is survived by his four children, Patricia Lynne (Charles), Timothy Wayne (Roxanne), John Patrick (Tanya), and Karen Marie; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Eileen Tilton.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Thomas Dwain.

He took great pride in his military service and law enforcement career, and found joy in simple pastimes—baking, enjoying observing and riding trains, watching classic westerns, filled his days with the music he loved—especially Elvis Presley and other 1950s favorites, and keeping a close eye on the skies as a volunteer weather observer for the National Weather Service in Fort Garland, Colorado.

John will be remembered for his steadfast integrity, and his unwavering love for his family. But more than anything, he loved people—never meeting a stranger and delighting in conversations.

Private family service. Final resting place, Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com