To request a copy of this photo for your own personal use, please contact our state coordinator. If you are not a family member or the original photographer — please refrain from copying or distributing this photo to other websites.
Thank you for visiting the Texas Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Texas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 9/4/20 • Approved: 9/5/20 • Last Updated: 9/8/20 • R349383-G0-S3
Merchant Marine
US Air Force
June 28, 1927-October 7, 2006
Photo, courtesy of Kay Marshall
*Obituary
Hilbert Rantz was born on June 28, 1927 in Dimmitt, TX to Homer and Theadora Rantz. He passed away on October 7, 2006, surrounded by his loving family.
He grew up in Abernathy and attended Abernathy High School. He traveled around the world in 1945-1946 as a Merchant Marine and served in the United States Air Force. Hilbert married Billie Jane Johnson on October 13, 1950 in Clovis, NM. He worked for Diamond Shamrock and the United States Post Office. He also worked as a carpenter for many years on home construction, cabinetmaking and he dedicated many hours of carpentry work to the church, parsonage, senior citizens center and to elderly friends in the community. During the past few years he had dealt with physical adversities with courage and quiet determination. Recently he had enjoyed renewed health and independence. He loved spending time with family, neighbors, friends and beloved pets. He cherished time spent camping, hunting and playing pool. Hilbert was a member of the Abernathy Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.
Hilbert is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Morris Rantz. He is survived by his wife, Billie, his children, Mary Benton and husband Jack of Lubbock, TX, John Rantz and wife Char of Lubbock, TX and Sherry Rantz of San Antonio, TX, grandchildren, Cindy Reyna and husband Roger, Jon Benton and wife Carol, and Joshua and Ben Rantz. He is also survived by 3 great grandchildren, Ashley, Freddie and Alyssa Reyna, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Abernathy First United Methodist Church or the Abernathy Senior Citizens. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Covenant Home Health and a special thanks to nurse Patty Ramey. Services were held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2006, in the Abernathy First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Hubbard and Rev. Jerry Don Cheshire officiating. Masonic Graveside services followed in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, TX. www.abellfuneralhome.com
Contributed on 9/4/20 by neldapat
Email This Contributor
Suggest a Correction
Record #: 349383