Barron Hilton

Barron Hilton (born October 23, 1927) is an American heir and chairman of the Hilton Hotel chain.

Related Topics:
October 23 - 1927 - American - Hilton Hotel

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He was born William Barron Hilton in Dallas, Texas, the second son of Conrad Nicholson Hilton and Mary Adelaide Barron. His father founded Hilton Hotels. His brothers are Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Jr., called "Nicky," and Eric Michael Hilton. He also has a younger half-sister, Francesca Hilton, whose mother is Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Related Topics:
Dallas - Texas - Conrad Nicholson Hilton - Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Jr. - Eric Michael Hilton - Francesca Hilton - Zsa Zsa Gabor

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Barron married former Santa Monica, California, cheerleader Marilyn Hawley in 1947. They are the parents of eight children: William Barron Hilton, Jr. (born January 31, 1948); Hawley Anne Hilton (born November 23, 1949); Stephen Michael Hilton (born November 9, 1950); David Alan Hilton (born June 2, 1952); Sharon Constance Hilton (born December 23, 1953); Richard Howard "Rick" Hilton (born August 17, 1955); Daniel Kevin Hilton (born January 25, 1962); and Ronald Jeffrey Hilton (born April 27, 1963).

Related Topics:
Santa Monica - California - Cheerleader - 1947 - January 31 - 1948 - November 23 - 1949 - November 9 - 1950 - June 2 - 1952 - December 23 - 1953 - Richard Howard "Rick" Hilton - August 17 - 1955 - January 25 - 1962 - April 27 - 1963

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Active for several years in organizing and managing businesses in Los Angeles, Barron was also a member of the board of directors of the Statler Hotels Delaware Corporation and of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. In 1954, he was elected a vice-president of Hilton Hotels Corporation, of which his father was president. The announcement was made on November 16 by P. Williford, executive vice-president.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles - 1954 - November 16

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Barron also became president of the Carte Blanche credit card firm, was owner of a $6,000,000 orange juice company, head of a business leasing jets and an investor in a Texas oil company.

Related Topics:
Carte Blanche - Credit card - Orange juice - Jets

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In 1960, Barron founded the San Diego Chargers American football team. He assumed the presidency of the Hilton Hotel chain in 1966. In 1970, he was responsible for getting Hilton Hotels into the gambling business.

Related Topics:
1960 - San Diego Chargers - American football - 1966 - 1970 - Gambling

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When Barron's father died in 1979, he left the bulk of his estate to the Catholic Church and other charities and almost nothing to his children. Barron contested the will because of his lifelong career of working to build the hotel company and won his lawsuit in 1988. His sister, Francesca, lost her case though and received nothing.

Related Topics:
1979 - Catholic Church - Charities

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His success in this lawsuit gave him voting control of the Hilton stock which his father donated to the Catholic church, but also provided him with a multi-million dollar inheritance and control of the Hilton Hotel company. Were it not for Barron's success with this lawsuit, his famous grandchildren, Paris and Nicky Hilton, might not enjoy the lavish lifestyle they portray on television.

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In the Forbes 400, which lists the 400 Richest Americans, Barron Hilton's net worth in 2005 is $1 billion.

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Barron Hilton's wife, Marilyn, died in March 2004. Their son, Rick, is the father of the celebrity sisters Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton.

Related Topics:
2004 - Paris Hilton - Nicky Hilton

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