Larry Lee Hildebrand

Larry Lee Hildebrand, beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed from this world on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Born March 6, 1938, in Palestine, Ill., he was the first-born child of George Samuel Hildebrand and June Elizabeth (Roberts) Hildebrand. Larry lived in the Palestine area most of his life and graduated from Palestine High School in 1956 before joining the U.S Air Force. On the evening of Dec 22, 1956, he was united in holy matrimony to Paula Rae Oldham. Of this union, two children were born, Sherry Renae Hildebrand in 1958 and Steven Leon Hildebrand in 1962, who are left to mourn their father's passing. In 1967, Larry moved his family to Chicago where he began work for the National Weather Service, forecasting weather and advising airline pilots. He worked for the NWS until 1995 when he and Paula retired back to Crawford County, making their home near Trimble, IL. Larry was 32nd degree Mason and a dedicated member of the Masonic Order. Serving as Master of the Lodge at both the Evergreen Park #1171 and Palestine #849 Lodges. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, Medinah Shrine, York Rite, Royal Arch, Cryptic Masons Temple #65, Knights Templar Mizpah Commandery #53. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a past worthy patron of Katherine Chapter #637. A lifelong ham radio operator, K9CSO, he was a member of Crawford County Amateur Radio Club and was a member of MARS Radio, which relays messages from military personnel overseas to loved ones back home. A man of faith, he worshipped at the First Christian Church in Palestine. Larry never knew a stranger and loved to stop and talk to everyone. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends: his daughter & son-in-law, Sherry & Richard Gray, Robinson, Ill.; son & daughter-in-law, Steven & Theresa (Haugh) Hildebrand, Chicago Ridge, Ill.; grandsons, Joshua and Jack Hildebrand, Chicago Ridge, Ill; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Sharon & Carl Preston, Hardinville, Ill; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Richard & Patti Oldham, Decatur, Ill; along with many nieces & nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula Rae (Oldham) Hildebrand; his parents, George Samuel & June Elizabeth (Roberts) Hildebrand; and his brother, Dick Hildebrand. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. However, a live stream of his service will be available to the public starting at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, December 21st. This can be done on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Larry will be laid to rest in Palestine Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the "Valley of Danville" with "Larry Hildbrand" in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St. Robinson, IL 62454 Cards of condolence and sympathy may be sent to his family at: 507 E Clearwater St. Robinson, IL 62454