Gary Lee Hildebrand

Gary Lee Hildebrand, a man whose laughter was as infectious as his generosity, passed on October 10, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Gary was born in New Sharion, Iowa, on February 28,1946. His roots run deep in the soil of his family farm in Montezuma, Iowa where his lifelong passion for nature was kindled.

He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Pamela, who stood by his side in love and partnership. Gary's legacy continues through his daughters, Melanie Locke and husband Kevin, Meleia Cox and husband Dale, and Michelle Hildebrand, who will forever cherish the lessons and love he imparted. His granddaughters, Allison Lee, and husband, Tyler, Kristin Reid and husband Ron; Kamryn Locke and partner Garrett Pearce and his only grandson, River Hildebrand-Scott. They will remember him as a pillar of strength and kindness. His Great grandson, Wylee Wayne Pearce and future great-granddaughter, Rylann Lee Reid, will miss his guiding presence and endless support. He is survived also by his brother Richard Hildebrand and sister Sandy James. His parents Ray and Opal Hildebrand, who predeceased him, undoubtedly are preparing a heavenly welcome.

Gary's early years in Iowa were filled with the simple joys of small-town life. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1956.He developed strong family values and the work ethic of growing up on a farm which defined him. He carried these values with him through his life enriching the lives of his beloved family and friends. Gary attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Laverne College in 1973 while being on active duty in the military.

Gary's love language was through acts of service to his country, his family, his community, and his neighborhood. In 1968 , he joined the United States Air force as a Ground Radio Repair Technician in the Security Service. During that time he was stationed in California, Libya, Turkey, and Misawa, Japan. His wife and family have very fond memories of the culture, Japanese families, and continued relationships with enlisted friends they met there.

His commitment to service continued throughout his civilian career. After returning to the United States in 1978, he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where he was later discharged and joined the reserves. It was in San Antonio that he bought his first home and began his career with Johnson Controls. He served as a Project Manager and Sales Representative for HVAC for over 30 years, working with prominent companies while negotiating and bidding projects in new construction of airports, schools, universities, manufacturing facilities, hospitals and churches. His Top-Secret Security Clearance allowed him contracting foreign based U.S. Embassies. His technical expertise led him to work in both San Antonio and, later, in Austin, Texas, for Johnson Controls. He then worked for Central Texas A/C & Heating (CTCA). Austin Controls , and IEC Controls. During this time, he formed cherished friendships, adding to the beloved community of people whose lives he touched. In 2001, Gary and Pamela moved to Arkansas, where he worked for TL Services as a Regional Sales Manager. Being too far away from his daughters and grandchildren, Gary and Pam moved back to Austin in 2005, where he continued to work for his friend Terry Looper and grow TL services as a Sales Account Representative in Texas. In 2006, he went back to work for one of his dearest friends, Roland Hampton, owner of CTCA, until 2011, when he retired.

Gary's journey through life was loving, kind, and selfless. He was the man who would give you the shirt off his back and then joke that it looked better on you anyway. He was a soul who found a way to turn every challenge into a punchline, ensuring that even in the toughest times, laughter was never in short supply. Those who knew Gary will remember him as a man who greeted everyone with a smile and was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Leiomysarcoma may have been his toughest audience, but Gary faced it with the same determination and humor that characterized his entire life. He left this world as he lived in it, on his own terms, with a smile for those he loved, and a joke to lighten the heavy hearts he knew he'd leave behind.

As we say goodbye to Gary Lee Hildebrand, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of joy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others. His was a life that exemplified the best of humanity, and his memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear Gary. Your love will forever be our guiding light.

The family would like to thank Austin Hospice for their support and loving care, and all our neighbors and friends, we couldn't have done it without you!

A Celebration of Life will be planned later to honor his memory. The family requests no flowers but memorial donations be sent to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation or Plant a Tree Foundation.