Edwin "Bud" Hildebrand

Edwin "Bud" Hildebrand, age 93, of Charleston, IL passed away and went to be with his son Mike at 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at home in Charleston, IL. He was born February 22, 1930, in Charleston, IL, the son of Hubert Oris Hildebrand and Ruby Irene (Neal) Hildebrand. On November 19, 1949, Bud married Rosemary (Weaver) Hildebrand in Charleston, IL.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Rosemary Hildebrand, their children, Judy Craig, William "Bill" (Terri) Hildebrand, Becky (Terry) Hanner of Charleston, IL.  Grandchildren; David (Toni) Craig of Charleston, IL, Brad (Mandy) Hanner of Lerna, IL, Chris (Heather) Hanner of Aiken, SC, Kirk (Melissa) Hildebrand of Aiken, SC, Becky (Juan) Gutierrez of Charleston, IL, Jay (Shannon) Hildebrand of Noblesville, IN, Jon (Katie) Hanner of Charleston, IL, Brett (Mara) Hildebrand of Charleston, IL.  Great-grandchildren; Makena (Logan) Ratliff of Charleston, IL, Koltin and Kendall Winnett of Charleston, IL, Benjamin Hildebrand of Aiken, SC, Avery and Evan Hanner of Aiken, SC, Zachary Craig of Charleston, IL, Braxton and Kase Hanner of Charleston, IL, Juliana, Kambri, and Cohen Hildebrand of Charleston, IL, Keagan, Samuel, and Tatum Hildebrand of Noblesville, IN. Whitney (Kenny) Bower and Hanna Freezeland of Charleston, IL, Jordan Gutierrez and Taylor Yocom of Charleston, IL. Along with four great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Ruby Hildebrand, son, Mike Hildebrand, son-in-law, Gary Craig, sister, Joyce Franklin, sister, Patty Marley and sister, Beverly Cole.

Bud spent twenty years as a firefighter for the Charleston Fire Department, retiring as captain in 1980. He was the oldest living retired fire fighter in Charleston, IL.  He retired from Charleston High School in 1994 as custodian. As a very kind man, he helped many kids by supplying them with lunch money. After he retired, Bud stayed busy driving cars for Diepholz Auto. He was baptized at and a member of the First Christian Church in Charleston, IL. Bud was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #1388 and the Coles County Modified Midget Racing Association. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears. Bud loved motorsports, enjoyed racing midget cars, and was a big NASCAR fan, it especially made him happy watching his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. He spent a lot of time at the Bauer auction, both buying and working. He loved his grand-puppy, Kali. Bud loved riding his scooter all around town and watching the world go by from his front porch swing. He loved the game of chance. Bud loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed attending their sporting events. Bud loved his family and was the rock of the family.

A service honoring his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Adam funeral Chapel with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will take place at Roselawn Cemetery, in Charleston, following the service. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Charleston Fire Department, 1510 A Street, Charleston, IL 61920.

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