Jan 26, 2018

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Alden D. “Bud” Hillberry, 91, of Waynesburg, died Monday, January 22, 2018, after living an incredibly full life.

He was born July 18, 1926, in Carmichaels, a son of Russell and Mabel Johnson Hillberry.

Mr. Hillberry attended Ellsworth High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1945.

On May 6, 1948, he married Mary Jo Blue. They spent the first 10 years of their life together in Brave and eventually settled in Deemston, where they made their home and raised their family. They were married for 41 years, until her death in 1989.

A near-fatal motorcycle accident in the 1950s left his right arm completely paralyzed, but it did not slow him down. He was employed by Hillman Barge in Brownsville, where he was a welder despite full use of only one arm.

Mr. Hillberry was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, camping and motorcycling. He continued to ride motorcycles into his mid-80s. He spent many years as an active member of Buckskinners, as well as the Steam, Gas and Horse association of Malden. He often slept in a teepee and taught others how our ancestors trapped and hunted for survival. He was also a gunsmith who created masterpieces for friends and family. He taught those he loved how to fire a muzzleloader, set a trap and throw a tomahawk.

On June 12, 1993, he married his second wife, Lucille Gatten, who was by his side until shortly before his death.

Left to cherish his memory are three sons, Lynn “Butch” Hillberry of Fredericktown, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Hillberry of Brave and William (Lora) Hillberry of Brave; a daughter, Nancy (Alan) Sisler of Bruceton Mills, W.Va.; 10 grandchildren, Jason Hillberry, whom he raised, Jody Hillberry, Stacy Hillberry, Michael Lawson, Alissa Mebane, Joshua Hillberry, Lisa Moore, Del Hillberry, Lynette Linley and Danyel Braun; 21 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a brother, Russell Hillberry Jr.; two sisters, Lina Rager and Myrlene Provins; a niece, whom he helped raise and referred to as his “adopted daughter,” Jennifer Schmidt; and many other nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his first wife, are a son, Spencer “Jody” Hillberry; a sister, Evea Hillberry Straight; and a brother, Allen Engle.

At his request, there will be no public service. The family will gather privately for a memorial at a later date.