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Hilker -- Godfrey"Bud" Hilker, 83, went to join his beloved wife and son in Heaven on Thursday, December 2, 1999. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 6, at First Baptist Church of Independence. Burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Floral Hills Chapel. Bud was born to Ernst and Hilda Hilker, January 8, 1916, in Defiance, MO. Orphaned at the age of five, Bud went to live with his grandparents. Upon their death, Bud lived with various relatives and friends until striking out on his own at the age of 13. He worked at various jobs throughout the beginning of his"adult" life before settling into a 20-year career with Armco Steel. Bud met his beautiful wife, Mary, on a blind date in 1937, and married her on June 4, 1938. Their 61-year loving union produced three wonderful children, Janice Darlene, Kenneth Wayne and Dennis Lee. Throughout this life, Bud most enjoyed his family - spoiling his six grandchildren, making home movies, and telling family stories. He was a member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Independence. Bud is survived by his daughter, Janice Swope and her husband, Bill, and their children, David Swope and family, and Jody Swope, all of Albuquerque; his son, Dennis Hilker and his wife, Lynnette Whitt, and their children, Erin and Brooke Whitt Hilker, Owings, MD; his daughter-in-law, Mary Hilker (widow of his son, Kenneth), Independence, MO, and their children, Suzanne and Teresa Hilker, Kansas City, MO. Also surviving him is his sister, Olinda Marie Morgan and other loving family and friends of St. Charles, MO. We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a graceful and dignified man. He showed all who knew him the meaning of truth, integrity and strength. Above all, he embodied all that defines what family is about. His gentle spirit and quiet strength lives forever within us all, but his absence leaves a hole in our lives. (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons, Floral Hills Chapel).
        Published on: Sat December 04, 1999