Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Roberts Hildebrand
1926 - 2025
BORN
1926
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
John Hildebrand Obituary
February 8, 1926 - July 30, 2025
John Roberts Hildebrand, 99, of Salem, passed away July 30, 2025. He was born February 8, 1926, in Roanoke, Virginia, to James Raymond and Blanche Roberts Hildebrand. He was a devoted Presbyterian, serving Salem Presbyterian Church as Deacon, Elder, and Trustee. He also volunteered with the Presbyterian Community Center and was active in the Rotary Club of Salem.
A WWII veteran, John served in the U.S. Army Air Corps before earning a civil engineering degree from Virginia Polyechnic Institute in 1950. His 41-year career with Hayes, Seay, Mattern, and Mattern included leadership of major transportation and public works projects across several states. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of Virginia Tech's Academy of Distinguished Alumni.
An avid historian and author, John published works on Virginia railroads, Civil War history, and notable Virginia figures, and contributed articles to multiple historical journals.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Thelma Jeter Shank Hildebrand.
He is survived by his brother, David C. Hildebrand; his brother-in-law, John M. Shank; his children, Martha Karen Hildebrand Sherwood and husband Robert, John Roberts Hildebrand, Jr. and partner, R. Neal Fine, Sarah Jeter Hildebrand Caldwell and husband, Gregory, Caroline Shank Hildebrand Cochrane and husband, James; grandchildren, Catherine Esterbrook Sherwood Hagan and husband, Christopher, Elizabeth Wampler Hildebrand Strasser and husband, Joseph, Margaret Hildebrand Sherwood, Mary Claire Hildebrand Corron and husband, Devin, Caroline Morgan Caldwell Cooledge and husband, John, Catherine Roberts Caldwell Short and husband, George, Sarah Lane Cochrane Payne and husband, William; James Hildebrand Cochrane, Julia Xian Shank Cochrane, and John Hao Wright Cochrane; great-grandchildren, Sarah Catherine Hagan, Jacob Alexander Hagan, Tyler Marx Strasser, Madison Claire Strasser, and Grant Richmond Strasser.
The family expresses sincere thanks to the loving team of caregivers who served them so faithfully.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Presbyterian Church, PO Box 536, Salem, VA 24153.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for John Hildebrand
Funeral services provided by:
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory305 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153
Memories and Condolences
for John Hildebrand
Sponsored by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.
3 Entries
Earleen Daniels
August 18, 2025
John's legacy will be a reminder to us all to live our lives with with compassion, empathy and to treat others with the kindness and respect as he always did. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as his legacy lives on in all that knew this incredible man.
Earleen Daniels
August 18, 2025
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. I worked very closely with John for many years at Hayes, Seay, Mattern, & Mattern and found him to be one of the most interesting, intelligent and humerus people I knew. He will sadly be missed by all that knew him. In peace may he rest with none but the best!
Randy Devins
August 18, 2025
My condolences to the Hildebrand family. Fond memories of our membership with Salem Presbyterian Church from the late 50s to early 70s. Dad, George Devins, was a deacon there and Mom was in the choirs. Prayers.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in John Hildebrand's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Hildebrand's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
