Johnson Wayne Hildebrand

Johnson (John) Wayne Hildebrand, Ed.D. Johnson (John) Wayne Hildebrand, Ed.D., husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2006. John was born at home near Burleson, Texas, on May 15, 1928, to the late Walter and Alma Hildebrand. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeannine Hildebrand; daughter, Sherrie Matula and husband Michael of Houston, Texas; son, Alan Hildebrand and wife Sue of Georgetown, Texas; and daughter, Gayla Thomson and husband Randall of Austin, Texas. He also leaves one sister, Mary Lou Bowen of Cleburne, Texas, two brothers, Steve Hildebrand with wife Dorothy of Arlington, Texas, Ray Hildebrand of Overland Park, Kansas, and sister- in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Stuart Good of Anacortes, Washington. John is also survived by his grandchildren - Melody and Michele Matula, Brackston and Erin Hildebrand, and Lauren and Hayley Thomson. After graduating from Joshua High School at age 15, John attended Decatur Baptist Junior College and graduated in 1945. Next came service in the U.S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone from 1946-1949. He then earned two degrees from North Texas State University - B.S. - Mathematics - 1949, and M.Ed. - 1951. During this time, he met and fell in love with his loving wife, Jeannine. They were married on September 9, 1950. Upon completion of his master's degree, John's young family moved to Austin, where he began a career in education that spanned almost four decades with Austin ISD. He was a teacher at both Bryker Woods and Winn Elementary schools. Then came principalships at Palm, Wooten, and Hill Elementary schools. Within that time, he also earned his doctorate in education. John retired as the principal of both Pillow and Summitt Elementary schools in 1987. He was also recognized by the Austin Association of Teachers as the Administrator of the Year in 1987. During retirement John logged in over 9,000 hours as a volunteer at Seton Northwest. A few of John's favorite things included gardening, traveling, fishing, studying history, football, the St. Louis Cardinals, church activities, family times, and of course, ice cream and banana pudding. Wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, Christian, educator - A more precious soul could not be found. Farewell good and faithful servant From the family: Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Costanzi and the staff at Lonestar Oncology, Dr. Cox, and the staff (2nd and 3rd floor nurses and technicians and Dr. Wang on duty at 2nd North) from St. David's North Austin Medical Center and Odyssey Hospice. A celebration of John's life will be held at Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Road, Austin, 78727 at 3:00 on February 4, 2006 with Reverend Dick West officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.