Richard Hildebrand

Richard Elmer Hildebrand, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

He was born Sept. 6, 1924, in Lebanon, Pa., son of Charles and Virginia Hildebrand. He and Marjorie Blaylock were married Jan. 10, 1946, in Blytheville, Ark.

Hildebrand received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University. He played baseball with Cape Capahas, coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, and coached church league basketball. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and National American Legion, and former president of Cape Girardeau Senior Center Foundation.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from July 14, 1943, to May 21, 1947.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Richard Hildebrand of Rio Rancho, N.M.; two daughters, Laurel Rhodes of Jackson, Tina Peery of Wellsville, Mo.; two brothers, Robert Hildebrand of Navarre, Fla., George Hildebrand of Absecon, N.J.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by three brothers.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jerry Statler officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.