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Wade Hildebran Obituary
October 31, 1942 - August 13, 2024
Wade Carroll Hildebran 81, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 13, 2024 at Amorem of Burke County. Wade was born on October 31, 1942.
Wade was born in George Hildebran to John and Desolia Hildebran the youngest of their five children.
A certified "Happy Appy" Wade was a proud graduate and supporter of Appalachian State University. He graduated with a degree in physical education in 1963. Wade graduated with a Master's in Business Administration from Appalachian in 1971 while teaching and raising a young family. He taught high school marketing in Burke County until retirement from East Burke High School.
Following retirement Wade started a second career as an auctioneer in 1991, founding Hildebran Auction Company. He enjoyed quite a following as folks loved his fun jokes and easy style.
Throughout his life, Wade wore a lot of hats. Teacher, referee, coach, boss, farmer, church member, brother, husband, dad, pappaw, devoted companion and friend to name a few.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents, John and Desolia, daughter, Tina Hildebran West, siblings Lorene Martin and Lela Abernathy, brothers-in -law Guy Martin, Robert Abernathy, and Bill Mull. He leaves behind a family and friend group that will miss him greatly. First, his companion of many years, Connie Hartley. Then, his sister, Janet Mull, and family. His brother, Harold and family, nieces and nephews of other siblings and the largest group, his immediate and extended family. Ex-wife Kathleen Hildebran, his daughters Kathy Lanham (Mike), Amy Helms (Art), Heidi Harvey (Dan), 11 grandchildren- Amber McIntire (Robby), Sean Lanham (Jessica), Christopher Lanham (Hannah), Andrew Lanham (Becca), John Lanham (Caitlin), Anna Lowman (Brian), Austin Helms, Jason West (Kasey), Heather Piland, Adam and Will Harvey. Last are his great grands who thought he was wonderful- especially when he rode them on the tractor or golf cart- Kaylee & Elliott McIntire, John and Natalie Lanham, Karolyn Lanham, Luke, Brooks and Adalynn Lowman, Jailyn Hagler, Riley & Hank West, and Ellis Piland.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 16, from 5-7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17 at 11 a.m., at Heritage Funeral Home (1507 Main St. E. Valdese, NC) Interment will follow at Burke's Chapel United Methodist Church cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Tina West Sunshine Scholarship at ASU Foundation, ATTN: Gina Harwood, ASU Box 32176, Boone, NC 28608 or at www.rcoe.appstate.edu under GIVE or to Burke Chapel United Methodist Church at 6350 George Hildebran School Road Hickory, NC 28602.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the Hildebran family.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory
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Memories and Condolences
for Wade Hildebran
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese.
2 Entries
Thomas Boesman
August 15, 2024
Wade got me into the auction business letting me help set up the day of the auction. I loved his personality, he was such a likeable guy. He will be sorely missed..........
Linda Hoke
August 15, 2024
Wade was my mentor.
I'm so grateful for his friendship and his advise when I first became an auctioneer 20 years ago.
I set my business goals by his example.
I'll miss you buddy.
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Memorial Events
for Wade Hildebran
Aug
16
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese1507 E. Main Street, Valdese, NC 28690
Aug
17
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese1507 E. Main Street, Valdese, NC 28690
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese1507 E. Main Street, Valdese, NC 28690
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