Donald C. Hildebrandt's Obituary
Mr. Donald C. “Don” Hildebrandt was born on October 9th, 1930 in Paducah, Kentucky. His family relocated to Muskegon Heights, MI in his first year of life. Don graduated from MHHS in 1948. While at Heights High he had the privilege of playing baseball and basketball for the legendary coach “Okie” Johnson. He joined the US Navy and served 5 years during the Korean War. While in the service he married his high school sweetheart Leatha Wilks. When his Navy tour was over, he and Leatha, and their new family including daughter, Marsha and son, Don Jr., moved to Kalamazoo, MI where Don entered Western Michigan University. After earning an MA Degree, the family, which now numbered 4, including sons, Michael and Brian, left for California where Don had accepted a teaching position with the Riverside Public School System. After teaching for 2 years, Don spent several years in the aerospace and electronics industry and in 1969 joined Mobil Chemical Company in Human Resources Management. His 20 years with Mobil took him from Woodland, CA to Macedon, NY to Houston, TX and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Don retired in 1989. Don’s early retirement years were spent in Houston, TX and Crossville, TN. He moved to his present home in Fruitport, MI in 2006. Don was active in his church and was Council President of the Fruitport Christian Reformed Church. He served for several years as a volunteer tour guide for the submarine USS Silversides. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael. SURVIVORS include Leatha, his wife of 65 years; a daughter, Marsha (Ken) Martin, son, Don Jr. (Roberta) Hildebrandt, son, Brian (Kelly) Hildebrandt; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Doug) Hilton; and numerous nieces and nephews. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Don will be 11AM Wednesday, January 20 at Fruitport Christian Reformed Church (3520 Pontaluna Rd.) with Rev. Bob Pohler officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service, from 10-11AM. Memorial Contributions to the American Cancer Society will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel 6291 S. Harvey (231) 798-1100.
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