Spencerville;    Timothy Joe "Tim" Hilty, 67, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully at 8:15 AM Thursday, October 7, 2021 in the Joint Twp. District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, under the wonderful care of Grand Lake Hospice.

He was born August 9, 1954 in Lima, a son of the late Joe C. and H. Janet Veit Hilty. On March I, 1976 he married the love of his life, Joyce S. Ware, who died March 5, 2020.

Tim is survived by his siblings, Michele R. (James) Tschuor of Stoutsville and Kenneth L. (Rita) Hilty of Spencerville, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his "boys", German Shepherds, Sherman, Kimo, Levi and Doc and a wolf, Cheyenne.

Tim was a graduate of Spencerville High School, Class of 72. He  then served in the U.S.Navy for 23 years as a chef, during which time he graduated from the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, N.Y.  After retiring from the Navy, he worked at the Tilton Corp. in Lima with the Teamsters Union, Local 329.

He loved cooking, gardening, fishing and his dogs.

Graveside Navy military rites with the Spencerville Veterans will be 2 PM Tuesday in the Spencerville Cemetery, followed by funeral services with Pastor R. Scott Johnson officiating.

There will be no public visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Lake Hospice or to the donors choice.

Condolences may be sent to    tbayliff@woh.rr.com

The Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Tim and the family.