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, 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 at Salem, Valdese and Oak Hill 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, papaw, 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. 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 (Carl), Adam and Will Harvey. Wade also leaves 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.
Wade’s companion of many years, Connie Hartley, siblings, Janet Mull, and Harold Hildebran, nieces and nephews of other siblings and ex-wife Kathleen Hildebran.
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 11:00 AM., 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 fund 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.
So very about the passing of Wade. He didn’t die he just changed addresses. Our minds can only imagine what Wade is experiencing. He is now experiencing all the joy of heaven. You are in thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs,
Eddy and Brenda Huffman
Dear Kathy and family, I am sorry to hear about your Dad. I didn’t know him but I know you and see from his obituary that he was a wonderful gentleman! Along with your Mom he sure raised an amazing family! I pray for comfort for all of you.
My deepest condolences to the family. Wade was an exceptional man. An amazing person. Spent time at home with him not long ago. And we had a very good talk. Prayers for you all.
We are just two of the many people who got to know and love Wade, Connie, family members and his devoted staff over the years. He will be greatly missed by many but he left us with some wonderful memories. Rest in peace dear friend, we were blessed to know you
Mr. Hildebran was my teacher at East Burke my senior year. He was warm, funny and also very encouraging. I think he is embracing Tina and worshipping God! My deepest sympathies for the loss of you father.
Wade was a very fine man and was so good to help others, whether it be teaching , working at his church or just helping his neighbors. He did a lot for my dad. I know he will be missed by many. Prayers to all you girls and grandchildren, Janet and Harold.