Basil Ray Hildebrand was born January 5, 1939, in Beulah, MO, rural Phelps County, southeast of Ft. Leonard Wood to Thomas and Margaret L. (Kivett) Hildebrand.

Basil attended various grade schools in that area. He graduated from Cabool High School in 1958. He enlisted in Army National Guard Active Duty with 6 years reserve completed in 1965.

Basil was united in marriage to Mary Lucinda Graham on June 20, 1959.

He got an early start working in the body shop the last two years of high school and continued until he started his wholesale dealership for nearly 30 years.

Basil and Mary Lu bought the family farm in 1991, and started the cow/calf operation, in southeast St. Clair County.

He attended regular at the Osceola Community Church. He loved to hunt and fish.

Basil is survived by his brother Rex and his wife Dorletta of Bolivar, as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, his parents, and sister.