Charles Edward Hildreth

January 18, 1925 to November 30, 2015

Born on January 18, 1925 in Long Beach, Chuck had a long history living and raising a family in Southern California. As a boy, Chuck left school in order to provide for his mother and siblings as a newspaper boy for the Long Beach Press Telegram.

With the oil industry being such a big part of the employment scene in the pre-war years, Chuck gravitated toward a position with the Atlantic Richfield Company. Chuck’s relationship with Atlantic Richfield spanned 40 years with Chuck working at the Carson Refinery as a Pipe Insulation Man.

World War Two saw Chuck answer America’s call and he enlisted in the United States Army, embarking for duty as a member of the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Division from June 19, 1944 until May 12, 1946 serving under General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines.

Serving with distinction, Chuck was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, as well as the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, and the World War Two Victory Medal. After cessation of hostilities Chuck continued to serve his country as part of the Japanese Occupation Forces at Yokohama Air Station for an additional year.

Discharged on May 12, 1946, at Camp Beale California, Private First Class Hildreth, as so many others of “The Greatest Generation” turned his eyes for home. There was a future to build, and build it he did!
Chuck married Velma Maxine Lanning shortly after discharge in 1947, the marriage produced a son, Gary, however the couple divorced in 1953.

Chucks family life then shifted in 1958, refocusing around his loving wife of 57 years, JeNeanne Gryder Hildreth, settling into Hollydale and becoming a part of the community.

Chuck passed away on November 30, 2015, and is survived by his son Gary, daughters Carol and Tracy,13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. And 1 great-great-grandchild.