Francis Charles Tilton

Francis Charles Tilton, known to many as Frank or Charlie, passed away at home on June 2, 2025.

Born on April 17, 1951, in Hawthorne, California, to Francis Charles and Martha Matilda (Hill) Tilton, Frank grew up in Southern California and graduated from La Quinta High School in Westminster in 1969.

Frank worked in operations management in various manufacturing facilities for over 35 years. He was a Christian who openly acknowledged his imperfections and his need for Christ’s grace and intercession.

From an early age, Frank had a deep love for horses and the cowboy way of life. He was rarely seen without his boots, jeans, and cowboy hat—long before they were considered fashionable or even socially acceptable.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Tilton; grandson, Cobi Muro; and his parents. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Charlene Yeager and Patricia Anne Tilton; his children: Mark (Kelli) Tilton, Rachel (Justin) Muro, Jessica (Jason) Perez, and Ashley (Jon-Paul Voelzke) Martin; grandchildren: Jada (Andrew) Medina, Morgan Klauber, Carlie Muro, Ethan Perez, and Noah Perez; great-grandchildren: Quinn Fryman, Jack Fryman, Naomi Medina, Grace Medina, and Molly Medina; as well as extended family, old drinking buddies, and distant friends.

Frank will be remembered for his love of Marlboro Reds, tall tales, stubborn wit, generous spirit, and his deep love of classic country music—not, as he would say, “the crap they play on the radio these days.” He had a knack for finding trouble (or perhaps it had a knack for finding him), and a mind sharpened by strong logic and deep intelligence. Though he often aspired to more than he achieved, he was never short on heart or tenacity and would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone else—even at the expense of his aspirations.

“I’ve spent my life breaking promises to people because I felt that the circumstances had changed and, as a result, promises didn’t need to be kept. I can no longer do that. I, at least, want to finish this race as strongly as I can. I owe it to God who has never broken His promises to me.”  —Francis Charles Tilton in a note written to his son on November 8, 2007