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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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James Hildebrand
JAMES RALPH HILDEBRAND
Cedar Rapids
12/27/1921 – 1/20/2015
There's a great line from a Sam Peckinpah movie that says, "It's not so much the dyin' that you hate; it's knowing what they're going to say about you." From everything we've heard since Ralph, Rufus, Hog Jaws, Dad died, he need not worry.
James Ralph Hildebrand died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at the age of 93. A visitation followed by a ceremony, with military honors, will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Montgomery Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Mo.
His wife of almost seven decades, Betty Barclay, whom he lovingly referred to as "Hot Lips," was by his side until the very end. Betty and his four daughters, Pam, Sherri, Penny and Polly, felt the love the day after his Jan. 20 passing from those who cared for him much of the past three years.
Ralph was smiley, friendly and a practical joker who loved nature and all water sports. He was the life of every party.
Ralph was a World War II veteran, serving in the Coast Guard. He married Betty Pauline Barclay and they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they raised their four daughters. Upon retiring, they returned home to southern Missouri.
In addition to his wife and daughters, Ralph is survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
If you were lucky enough to cross paths with Ralph Hildebrand, you'll never forget him.
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