Thomas H. Hildebrand

Thomas Harold Hildebrand was born in Danville, PA on December 20, 1923, the youngest of nine children, to Samuel and Mary Hildebrand. He died peacefully Friday, February 3, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO surrounded by his wife and son. He was 88 years old. Tom married Adalyn Koets on August 30, 1962 and they enjoyed 49 years of loving companionship. Tom and Adalyn have one son, Eric and Tom also has two children from previous marriage, Tom Jr. and Laurie. Tom was a loving, patient and wonderful husband and father.

Tom entered service in the United States Army in March 1943 at the age of 19 and served his country for 8 years. He served as a tank driver in the 702nd “Red Devils” Tank Battalion under Gen. Patton’s Third Army in World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroism among other commendations.

Tom worked for Farmers Insurance Group in Colorado Springs for over 32 years as a Sr. Underwriter. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was an active speaker in Toastmasters club.

He played competitive baseball and softball into his 50s while also coaching many local youth baseball teams. In 1981, “Mr.H” began his nearly 30 years of loyal love and support for the Doherty High School baseball program, coaches and players. The Doherty baseball diamond has been named Hildebrand Field in his honor. “Mr.H” was recently honored as a 2012 inductee into the Doherty Wall of Fame.

Tom was a member of Cragmor Christian Reformed Church for over 40 years where he served on the elder and deacon boards. He also served on the Senior Sounding Board for School District 11.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Samuel, his mother, Mary, his four sisters, four brothers and by his son, Tom Jr.

Tom is survived by his wife, Adalyn Hildebrand, son Eric (& Liz) Hildebrand and grandchildren Amanda and Evan of Santa Clarita, CA; daughter Laurie (& Bruce) Porter of Fountain Hills, AZ and grandchildren Carrie (& Patrick) Klaurens and Bryan (& Lesley) Porter; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Mr. H will be fondly missed by the many people that he touched with his warmth, humor, handshake, $2 bills and handful of candy.

A Visitation will be held Friday, February 10, 2012 from 5-7pm at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. The Memorial service will be Saturday, February 11, 10:00am, Cragmor Christian Reformed Church, 1225 Acacia Drive. A light luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Doherty Baseball Program, c/o Doherty High School or the Cragmor Christian Reformed Church Benevolence Ministry.