Trenton Jacob Hilyer
March 24, 1996 – July 26, 2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Trenton Jacob Hilyer on July 26, 2025, at the age of 29, following a dirt bike accident. He left this world surrounded by the immense love of his immediate family.
Trenton was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sally Watson Ozan; grandfather, Max Vincent Watson. He is survived by his wife of seven years, Meagan Wade Hilyer; his loving parents, Brent and Rebecca “Becky” Hilyer; his siblings, Brice (Anna) Hilyer, Brooke Hilyer, and Darela (Lucas) Martin; his grandparents, Bill and Betty Hilyer; and a large extended family of countless loving aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, dear friends, and other family members.
Trenton was extremely intelligent and worked as an engineer at Forterra in San Antonio. Outside the office, he lived fully and passionately—immersed in the wonders of the world around him. He found peace and exhilaration in nature, whether stargazing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, riding dirt bikes, BMX biking, skateboarding, skiing, birdwatching, or exploring native ecosystems.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and was exceptionally funny. He often carried out carefully curated and nuanced jokes and pranks. Additionally, he was a talented photographer in both film and digital formats. In his earlier years, he focused on cars and motorsports; more recently, he was drawn to the beauty of nature—photographing landscapes, plants, animals, and the world around him.
Trenton had an undeniable love for music. His talents included guitar (classical, electric, acoustic, and bass), banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, drums, and cajón. His weekly bluegrass jam sessions were a highlight of his week. He found joy in attending concerts across every genre—from bluegrass to hip hop, candlelit orchestras, and rock & roll.
Animals held a special place in Trenton’s heart, and he admired and learned about them wherever he went. He especially loved his childhood dog, Gauge and his three cats: Mookie, Maya Lin, and Mashed Potato “Tato.”
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Trauma ICU staff at St. David’s South Austin for their extraordinary care and compassion. They are equally grateful to every friend, neighbor, relative, and loved one who reached out with support, prayers, and love during this difficult time.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 9-11 a.m. CT in the Fellowship Hall of First Methodist Church located at 702 Ave A, Opelika, AL 36801.
In honor of Trenton’s love for the outdoors, donations may be made to state or national parks.
https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3144&mfc_pref=T&3144.donation=form1
https://www.caringbridge.org/site/18be79c9-625a-11f0-a0dd-d1f2a3cb24bc