HILDERBRAND, Paul R.

Paul R. Hilderbrand, 80, Phoenix, Arizona, passed away December 6, 2002. A lifelong resident of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, he was born February 3, 1922, and had recently relocated to Phoenix. Mr. Hilderbrand was the son of Emery and Edith (Haas) Hilderbrand. He married Martha Alice (Newell), on December 10, 1944; she survives in Phoenix. His sister, Evelyn (Hilderbrand) Powell of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, also survives him. A stepbrother, Harry Gilliland, preceded him in death. Three sons survive: Thomas P. (Alice-Kay) Hilderbrand, Ada, Ohio; Stephen A. Hilderbrand, Avondale, Arizona; and Joseph L. Hilderbrand, Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Hilderbrand is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and thousands of satisfied feet. In 1951, he established Paul's Shoe Store, Upper Sandusky, which he owned and operated for the next 50 years. He was a WWII veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Hilderbrand was a Life Member of both the American Legion Post 225, and the Classic Bowling League, of Upper Sandusky. He also was a member of the AMVETS Post 777; Wyandot County (Ohio) Rod & Gun Club; and John Stewart United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. He was an avid bowler, holding many offices in various leagues at Wyandot Lanes, Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He participated in many American Bowling Congress Tournaments throughout the country. Other pastimes included being a pitcher in a softball fast pitch league, pitching horseshoes, hunting moral mushrooms, and being an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. A memorial service will be held at Unity of Phoenix, 1500 E. Greenway Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85022 on December 10, 2002. The body has been cremated. Memorials may be made, in Mr. Hilderbrand's name, to any Hospice organization or other charities. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/10/2002.