Donald Gilbert Hildebrand, 76, of Jefferson died Sunday at his home.
Donald was born in Modesto, Calif., to Gilbert and Vera (Sherman) Hildebrand. His family moved to Oregon when he was 4 years old. He graduated from Brownsville High School and then entered the Army. He served as a heavy equipment operator and also called square dancing for the shell shocked troops.
After an honorable discharge, Don worked in the saw mills. He then owned and operated his own trucking company.
In 1988, he married Joanie in Crabtree. The two moved mobile homes for several years before retiring.
Don loved to drive truck, hunt and fish, have barbecues with family and spend time on the boat out on a lake. He also had his pilot license and loved to fly.
He was a member of the American Legion.
Donald is survived by wife Joanie Hildebrand; daughters Nancy Ryan of Sacramento, Charlotte Wester of Keizer, Donna Wickwire of Junction City, Lorene Kessler of Albany, Terry DeGemaro of Albany and Laurel Russell of Prineville; sons Michael Evans of Washington, Robert Evans of North Dakota, William Russell of Albany and Jim Russell of Albany; brother Edwin Hildebrand of LaPine; sister Betty Jo Gretler of Bend; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert C. Wester and sister Kay Marie Hildebrand.
The family writes: "We love you and will see you in heaven."
A graveside of cremated remains will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Jefferson Pioneer Cemetery.