Martin G. Bilderback

Martin G. Bilderback, age 93, of Sweetwater, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Throughout his life he was a servant of his Lord, country and farming community. As a member of First Baptist Church of Sweetwater since September 13, 1931, he served as a Trustee and chairman of the building committee. As a World War II Army veteran, he was involved in the Normandy invasion receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a lifetime dairy farmer serving on various boards of farming organizations throughout his career. He was also a member of the Sweetwater Odd Fellow Lodge # 280. In retirement he enjoyed gardening, fishing and woodworking. Preceded in death by : his wife of 67 years, Anna Hill Bilderback; infant daughter, Diana; parents: Joseph Chester and Dorothy Peak Bilderback; brother: Joe Peak Bilderback and sisters-in-law: Chlorine and Ruth Bilderback; brothers and sisters-in-law: Hugh and Mable Hill, Tom and Sue Thornburg, Wade and Jody Hill, and Leon Hill. Survivors include: daughter Elizabeth and husband Al Spencer, of Sweetwater, son Dr. Marty Bilderback and wife Annie, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; grandchildren and spouses: John and Riann Bilderback, of Chattanooga, Dr. Joshua and Nicki Spencer, of Wilmington, North Carolina, Dr. Rusty and Jenny Edwards, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, David and Kristen Bildreback, of Knoxville; grandsons: Briscoe Bilderback, and Brody Bilderback, both of Nicholasville, Kentucky; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Addison, Hunter, Luke, and Wyatt; brother: Burton and wife Barbara Bilderback, of Sweetwater, brothers and sisters-in-law: Glen and Janice Hill, of Lenoir City, Jim and Sherry Hill, of Dallas, Texas and Betty Hill McKenzie, of Knoxville; several nieces and nephews. The family wants to thank and acknowledge his very special “home team” caregivers, Dr. Evans and employees of Sweetwater Hospital Association, and Amedisys Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Sweetwater. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 16, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Sweetwater, from 5:00P.M. until 7:00P.M. with the funeral service to follow at 7:00P.M. with Dr. Rusty Edwards, and Dr. Frank Crawford officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11:45A.M. on Tuesday morning at Sweetwater Memorial Park for a 12:00 noon interment, with full military honors provided by members of the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156, Monroe County Disabled American Veterans Chapter # 93, and the Sweetwater American Legions Post # 106. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Martin G. Bilderback

April 1, 1922 - November 11, 2015