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 contstruction, cabinet-making 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.

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.