Charles Larry Hildebrand

Charles Larry Hildebrand known to all who knew him as "Larry" and to my brother and sister and me as "dad", was born in 1935 in Marysville, Kansas during the heart of the depression. The son of a preacher, his family never had much money and he was always told not to let anything go to waste and "eat everything on your plate". Dad always ate everything on his plate and instilled the same virtue in us kids. I still feel guilty throwing any food away. 

In 1958 he served in the 3d Armored Division. Dad was fond of telling anyone who would listen that he was in the same army division in Germany with Elvis Presley. While this was true and he could produce the pictures to prove it, that was as far as the story went. Many people, including my family could not get a single anecdote from my father regarding Elvis.

Back home in Kansas City, Missouri, Dad married the love of his life, my mother, Victoria (Vicki), in August of 1963 and they remained married for 62 years. They raised two sons and one daughter. Including his children, Michael, Sara and Charles.

My father's second love of his life was his passion for gardening. He enjoyed tending gardens all around the house but his main priority was always the front yard. We always had the most beautiful, well tended and manicured yard in the neighborhood.

Dad was known to everyone who knew him as kind and friendly. However, I would be remiss to not mention his occasional sarcasm and biting wit. This especially came out in full force when he was with his sister, Marion. The two of them often had me rolling with laughter at the expense of a stranger.

Above all, I think dad loved his family and being with his family most in life. I remember him often saying to me at Thanksgiving and Christmas when everyone was there together, "It doesn't get any better than this".

Remembered by many for his friendliness and kindness he leaves behind 2 sons, 1 daughter, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

I'll miss you dad.

Love Charles