Vernon Travis Hilderbrand

Vernon Travis Hilderbrand was born in Bakersfield, California. He was one of 9 children. The son of a sharecropper, he learned to love growing things and caring for animals. As he grew, he developed a love for cars/motorcycles. Vern served in the Army during the Korean War. He was placed with the 5077 Marine Signal Communications, a forming company. He was the only trained communications soldier. He was responsible for 7 teams of men. When Vern returned home from the war, he went back to the Fire Department. On returning, he felt he had seen too much death already. When offered a job with Pacific Bell, he quickly accepted. He worked for Pacific Bell for more than 30 years. Vern met the love of his life, Frankie Lee Jacobsen in a chance meeting at Stans Drive in. She went on a drive with him on a dare. They quickly fell in love and were married. They had 2 children. They established their home in Bakersfield but transferred to Arroyo Grande after converting to Adventism. In Arroyo Grande, he always had a garden growing. Vernon worked hard but loved to go on trips with family and friends. He was involved with the Pathfinders Youth Group. He taught them basic skills, how to put up a tent, marching. He and Frankie drove Pathfinders to summer camp, Camporees and Camp Meetings. As time passed, they bought a motorhome and traveled any weekend they could. There were many breakfasts shared in Avila Beach. Later Vern & Frankie traveled with Christmas Around the World to see many countries. Many great friendships were forged on these trips. In his final years, his great joy was sitting in the sun watching the great grand kids play and swim. Vern loved Jesus, potato soup and cheeseburgers. Vernon is survived by his children, Pico (Mark) Griffith & Scott Hilderbrand. His grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Palmer, Travis (Alana) Griffith and Kristen (Kiel) Taylor. His great grandchildren Kaydence, Kinley, Kyler Griffith, Jaden and Noah Palmer and Kolby, Kensie and Kennedy Taylor. His brother and sister-in-law, Ted & Billie Jacobsen. Their children David (Sherrie) Jacobsen. Great nephew and Neice Carter & Ella Jacobsen. His brother, Danny (Mary) Hilderbrand, His sisters Joyce Morrow and Laura Hershey. Vernon said he looks forward to the reunion in heaven with us all. Graveside services will be held 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mtn. Blvd., Arvin. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Vernon Travis Hilderbrand

October 24, 1931 - June 10, 2024