Clarence Hildebrand

Clarence Hildebrand, loving husband of Mary Pankhurst Hildebrand, quietly passed away at his home in Perry, Oklahoma on September 11, 2018. He was born in Perry on March 4, 1935 to Fannet and Elsie (Cruse) Hildebrand. Because of the demands of his father's position in the oil business, the family left Perry and moved frequently, only returning to Perry after Clarence graduated from Geuda Springs High School in Kansas. An exceptionally intelligent and witty person, Clarence entered Oklahoma State University where he graduated with both a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Chemistry. Then, in the late 50's, he enlisted in the army and was stationed in Germany for two years. After his discharge he went on to pursue a PHD at the University of Missouri, but before earning his doctoral degree, returned to Perry to care for his ill parents.
During one period of his life Clarence taught at Howard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas for a time before deciding he did not want to be a professor. He then returned to Perry where he worked in the postal service for over 30 years before taking a well-deserved retirement.
On visiting his aged mother in a Perry nursing home most every day, Clarence frequently spoke to Mary who was a caregiver there. Mary quickly realized he was one of the most kind-hearted people she had ever known. Aquainencehip and respect turned into love and devotion and they were married on April 3, 1998 in the Christ Lutheran Church of Perry.
Clarence loved to read and, during his free time, you could often find him engrossed in a historical text. He was a jack of all trades and a man who loved his collectibles, enjoying browsing through garage sales and antique shops where he delighted in finding treasures of all kinds. Clarence was able to share in Mary's piano business for the last 20 years. He assisted many of aspiring young musicians by helping with practice and recitals. He was well known to many of the families and a beloved contributor to the overall organization. The thing he loved most, however, was to be with his wife, children and family.
Cherishing fond memories of him are his wife, Mary (Pankhurst) Hildebrand; children, Scott Smith of Warren, Michigan, Carrie Wirth of Fullton, New York, Roy Smith and his wife Amy of Pavilion, New York; brothers, Glen Hildebrand and his wife Nancy of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Melvin Hildebrand and his wife Judy of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Dale Hildebrand and his wife Marlene of Choctaw, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Nathaniel Smith, Noah Smith, and Elizabeth Smith all of Pavilion, New York, Austin Wirth of Fullton, New York; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, all whom he loved dearly.
He will be greatly missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fannet and Elsie Hildebrand, and his brother, Floyd Hildebrand.
Funeral Services will be held on September 18, 2018 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Perry, Oklahoma at 2:00pm. Visitation will be held at Brown-Dugger Funeral Home on September 17, 2018 from 8:00am until 8:00pm. Services have been entrusted to the care of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home.

Visitation

Brown-Dugger Funeral Home
1010 North 7th Street
Perry, OK  73077
Monday, September 17, 2018
8:00am-8:00pm

Service

Funeral Service

Christ Lutheran Church
Perry, OK  73077
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
2:00pm

Cemetery

Grace Hill Cemetery
501 Memorial Drive
Perry, OK  73077