Joe Edward Hildebran, 91, of Hickory, passed away at his home on September 11, 2026, following a period of declining health and a brief battle with cancer.

Born on May 20, 1935, in Catawba County, Mr. Hildebran was the son of Joseph Pressley “Dick” Hildebran and Minnie Young Hildebran, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Etta Hildebran; granddaughter, Michelle Marlow, and by his sisters, Epsie Hildebran Hice, Verlie “Toots” Hildebran Hancock, and Ruby Hildebran Thorne.

Joe was a simple man, and that simple way of life was part of what made him so loved by those around him. He loved to garden and enjoyed tinkering with anything with a motor. He was happiest spending time on his tractor, and he also had a special love for auctions and listening to them. The smell of wood from a sawmill stayed close to his heart, and he often enjoyed talking about his younger days with his daddy when they were logging and working around the sawmill.

He also loved family outings and enjoyed going to different fish camps, where he especially liked eating small catfish on the bone. These were the kinds of moments that brought him joy and gave his family many warm memories to hold close.

Joe served honorably in the United States Marines. He joined on February 24, 1956, and received the Good Conduct Medal. His family will remember with pride his faithful military service to his country.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Abernethy Hildebran. Together, their family includes his children, Joann Testerman and her husband Donald, Bonnie Miller and her husband Dean, Dickie Hildebran, and Thomas “Tom” Hildebran. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Erica Jo Sharp Flowers and her husband Eric, Amanda Dennie Walker and her husband Jonathan, Samantha Dennie Willis and her husband Casey, and Joshua Frank Miller.

His family circle also includes his great-grandchildren, Petty Officer First Class David Blackburn and his wife Madi, Hunter Blackburn, Tyler Kirby, Ashlyn Kirby, Dagan Parlier, Anistan Walker, and Makayla Marlow. He was also looking forward to the arrival of a great-great-grandson due in December. Joe is further survived by his sister, Christine “Teen” Fawcett of Montana.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a viewing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory, 1507 Main St E, Valdese, NC 28690. The body will lie in state, and the family will not be present. 

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 6189-6221 Mountain Grove Church Road, Hickory, NC 28602, with Pastor Steven Hill officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marines.

Joe Edward Hildebran leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and memories that will be treasured for years to come. His steady ways, his love for simple things, and the time he shared with those closest to him will not be forgotten.