Charles “Kenneth” Hildebrandt, age 81, son of Louis and Ema Hildebrandt, was born on October 4, 1936 in Harold, Texas, passed away January 24, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his lovely wife and daughter. He was a loving and dedicated husband for 61 years to his wife, Shirley Bentley Hildebrandt. 

He married the love of his life, Shirley, when she was 16 years old.  He always remarked that, “She was the best wife in the whole world”.  They met at a small place where Shirley worked.

Kenneth was a patriot and served his country honorably in the United States Navy for over 30 years before retiring as a Command Master Chief.  During his retirement, Kenneth spent his free time with his grandsons, Brandon and Sean.  He attended every soccer and basketball game and never missed any school performances.

He loved lawn maintenance and had a small lawn service business to help pass the time during his retirement.

Kenneth leaves behind his wife; beloved daughters, Julie and Tina; grandsons, Brandon and Sean; and sister, JoAn Bentley.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Caitlin Elizabeth.

Special thanks to the staff at Vitas Hospice for their dedicated care.  Thanks also to friends, family and co-workers for their thoughts and prayers.

A private service with full military honors will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials/donations be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.