Howard Elton Hildreth Jr.

Born: July 26, 1926/ Died: December 26, 2017

Parents: Kathryn Louise & Howard Elton Hildreth, Sr.

Survivors: Lou Wills Hildreth, wife of 72 years

Son: Dr. David Howard Hildreth, married to Terri Jean Hildreth

Daughter: Kathryn Leah Mumaw, married to Michael Kenneth Mumaw

Grandchildren: Phillip Kyle White and partner Marianthe Perce

Patrick David Hildreth and partner Arienne Wilbern

Sean Decker Hildreth

Megan Brianna Hildreth

Howard was born in Mt. Vernon, Texas and attended school there and in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

He joined the Army Air Corp Reserves while attending Arlington State College in Arlington, Texas

He served the last few months of World War II and successfully defended Biloxi, MS. from both the Germans and the Japanese. After his brief stint, he returned to Arlington to work at the Interstate Theatre Organization. As an Assistant Manager at the Arlington Theatre, he met the love of his life when she was the ticket booth girl. They met in February of 1946 and were married in November 1946. They both always said it was “love at first sight”. However both mom Wills and the formidable Granny Denson (Lou’s Grandmother) took full credit for the union by sitting Lou down after the first date and instructing her to NOT LET HIM GET AWAY.

Howard continued to climb the corporate ladder of Interstate Theatres but that changed after his 2 kids came along. His desire to be at home with his family at night and to be more active in his church, Sagamore Hills Baptist, led him to take a position with Allied Iron Works in Ft. Worth. He was a popular youth Sunday School teacher and Youth Camp counselor making many trips on the church bus with unruly teenagers to their annual church camp events. On Sundays, Lou would usually be off somewhere singing with her brothers and sisters. Howard would show up at mom Wills’ big dining room table after church, kids in tow, and eat fresh chicken dinner with all the other in-laws and kids compliments of Granny’s chicken killing skills.

In 1968, the family moved to Nashville, TN. in support of Lou’s career in the Gospel Music Industry. Howard served the Lord long and faithfully as a Senior Deacon and Sunday School teacher for Beacon Baptist Church. The move to Nashville brought many successes to Howard, Lou, and their children.

Howard and Lou retired and moved back to Texas in the late 80’s to be more involved in the lives of their beloved grandchildren. Howard had a unique and amazing relationship with each one. He taught them by example what it meant to be a man of God. He loved to laugh, he loved to shower his family with selfless acts of service. He was the guy everyone knew they could depend on.

Howard loved every member of his family and many who just thought they were family. From his sister, his in-laws to his nieces and nephews; from his own children and their spouses, his beloved grandchildren and his one true love, “Loudell”, his unwavering faithfulness, acceptance, and amazing love was his greatest gift.

He will be truly missed.