George Tilton of Middletown, Calif., passed away on Friday, March 23, 2012 at his home.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1933, to Edward and Emma Tilton in Chicago, Illinois. It was there that he attended school and married.

During his working life, he started as a barber and eventually owned and operated his own shoe-shine business. In St. Helena he was known as “Shoeshine George.”

He has been a resident of Lake County for the last eight years and was well known and loved in the community. George enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of the Bears and Cubs.

George is survived by his children, Sherrin Jones of Antelope, Calif.; Edward Tilton of Toledo, Wash.; and Susan Jimenez of El Paso, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, and his son, David Tilton.

A memorial service will be held on April 21, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church located at 15851 Armstrong St., Middletown, Calif.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Middletown Senior Center, the library or a church of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake, Calif., 707-994-6417, www.jonesandlewis.com .