Robert "Bob" Hinton

Robert “Bob” E. Hinton, age 72, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021, surrounded in love by his family. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Father Denis Meier will officiate.  

Visitation will be at the chapel on Friday from 5-7 p.m.

Bob was born in Parkston, SD to Gladys (Heirigs) and Elden Hinton. He was their first-born son and was joined by his brother, Douglas (Bear) Hinton.  He graduated from Watertown High School in 1967 and attended Black Hills State College before enlisting in the Army.  He served in Vietnam from 1968-1970. 

Following his honorable discharge, Bob resumed his education at SDSU majoring in Bacteriology and Dairy Science. He worked as a federal food inspector for the US Department of Agriculture in Watertown, Fargo, Huron, Billings and Sioux Falls.

On June 8, 1973, Bob married Becky Birchall.  They have two sons, Travis (Michelle), Sioux Falls and Trent Hinton, Hopkins Minnesota.

In 1982, he left his job with the government to pursue his love of painting – establishing Nature’s Whisper Studio and Art Gallery.  He was fortunate enough to be able to combine his love for hunting and fishing into his paintings.  He loved spending time in nature hunting with his camera for the subject of his next painting. He was known nationally and internationally for his attention to detail which earned him awards from conservation organizations such as Pheasants Forever and South Dakota Habitat.

Bob is survived by his wife, Becky, sons Travis (Michelle) and Trent and granddaughter Harper.  Also survived by his mother – Gladys Mack, his brothers and sisters in law: Randy and Linda Birchall, and Jannelle and Keith Olson,  aunts and uncles: Bill and Ruth Hinton, Elmer and Pat Heirigs and Dell Cloney in addition to his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elden, brother, Doug , step-father, Duane Mack and great nephew Braydon Birchall.

When he was not traveling to exhibit his artwork, he could be found in his studio and caring for his wildlife sanctuary he created in his own back yard. After his retirement he continued his love for the outdoors through his painting, by embracing the beauty of nature’s whisper.

To Travis and Trent – Your dad loved taking you along to his art shows, giving you the opportunity to travel and explore many parts of the country.  He loved teaching you to hunt and especially enjoyed the family’s fishing trips.  He was so proud of the young men you have become.

To Harper Jo – his precious grandchild: you will forever be grandpa’s “Bug-a-Boo”. He always had fresh cookies and treats ready for your visits. His stubbornness really softened when you were born. You turned his whole world around.

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