FRANK HILDEBRAND

LAMAR-Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Lamar for Frank O. Hildebrand, 83, Lamar, who died Thursday, March 17, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family. A graveside committal service, with full military honors, was held at 3 p.m. at Wyandotte Indian Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Hildebrand, of the home; four daughters, Lori Matlock and husband Joey, Nixa, Amber Russell and husband Curtis, Redfield, Kan., Gina Worthington, Gunnison, Colo. and Jill Hall and husband Damon, Lamar; three brothers, Norman Hildebrand, Quapaw, Okla., Sam Hildebrand and wife Delores, Claremore, Okla. and Marvin Hildebrand and wife Florence, Mannford, Okla.; three sisters, George Gettle, Shawnee, Okla., Ola Mae Ward and Roma Qualls and husband Orvall, Wyandotte, Kan.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a large extended family and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline (Hildebrand) Keffer.

Mr. Hildebrand was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Wyandotte, Okla., to Sam and Alice (Harris) Hildebrand. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950, serving eight of his 10 year tour of duty in foreign and sea service in Korea and Japan. He then joined the U.S. Army, serving another 10 years before retiring from the military in 1970. Settling his family in Fort Scott, Kan., he worked as a conductor for the Frisco Railroad for 13 years, then as a service coordinator for Tri Valley, retiring in 1994. Moving to Grove, Okla., he was able to enjoy fishing and spending time on the lake with family, while still serving others in his role as Elder of the Wyandotte Nation.

He and his wife moved to Lamar in 2014 to be near family as his health declined. His priorities of “God, Family, Country” were genuine and obvious throughout his life. Always faithful church workers wherever they made their home, the two appreciated the fellowship of their First Baptist Church family in Lamar. Mr. Hildebrand cherished his wife, adored his girls and loved every minute spent with his grandkids and great-grands. Pride in his heritage and his country was evident in his service in the Grove American Legion and Wyandotte National Color Guard.

He married Shirley Elliott on May 26, 1957, at Prescott, Kan.