Dick R. Hildebrand

Dick R. Hildebrand, 78, of Crawford County, IL, died Thursday, February 1, 2018 in Frederick, MD. He was born December 2, 1939 in Palestine, IL, the son of George S. Hildebrand & June E. (Roberts) Hildebrand, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons, Richard Hildebrand (Overland, KS), William Hildebrand & wife Lisa Hildebrand-Maki (Anchorage, AK), and Jon & wife Natalie Hildebrand (Union Bridge, MD); by his daughter, Robin & husband David Foley (Clearfield, UT); by 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and by his brother, Larry Hildebrand (Palestine, IL). Dick grew up in the Palestine, IL area and was a graduate of Palestine High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. For 26 years, he served as an aircraft maintenance superintendent before being honorably discharged in 1985 as a Senior Master Sergeant. In the years following, Dick could often be found square dancing, a pastime he had enjoyed since the mid-1960s. This passion drove him to compete at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, UT, where he won medals for his square dancing. If he wasn’t on the dance floor, chances were that Dick was on the road. He loved taking road trips in his RV and saw much of North America in his many travels. Back home, he stayed active in a number of organizations: the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Palestine Amvets Post #33, the Lawrenceville Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #779, and the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849. He was also a longtime member of the Palestine First Christian Church. Anyone who knew him could attest to the fact that Dick possessed a tenacious personality, a trait that carried him through his many years of service to this country and beyond. His family, community, and country have lost a patriot and a champion in Dick Hildebrand. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A masonic service will immediately follow and will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, with the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849 conducting. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10th at the Palestine Cemetery, with Pastor Dennis Steckley officiating. Military rites will be given by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the AMVETS National Service Foundation, which provides Veterans, Donors, Advocates, & Volunteers the organization they require to ensure Veterans and their dependents are provided counsel and are represented before the Veterans Administration (VA) without charge every day.