Roy Hildreth Jr., 98, of Cadiz passed away July 17, 2025—his father’s birthday—at home on his farm, in the same farmhouse where he was born, with his family by his side.
He was born Nov. 15, 1926, in Cadiz Township, a son of the late Roy Hildreth Sr. and Ella Floyd Hildreth.
Roy was drafted into the United States Army and began active duty in February 1942, proudly serving his country in World War II, where he attained the rank of corporal. He was honorably discharged and returned to Cadiz, where he worked for the State Highway Department. Later, he became a heavy equipment operator at the Hanna-Coal Georgetown Prep Plant, retiring after 43 years of service.
He was a lifelong farmer who took pride in maintaining a beautiful property and farmhouse on Arnold Road in Cadiz—often filled with family making memories. The farm sat in an area commonly known as Frogtown, which led to a long-standing joke among friends and family declaring Roy the “Mayor of Frogtown.”
Roy was a member of the Cadiz American Legion Post 34 and UMWA Local 7690. He attended Asbury Chapel for many years. He was extremely proud of his military service and remained devoted to honoring fellow soldiers and veterans. Along with his companion Mae, he participated in the Harrison County Military Support Group, helping gather supplies and pack boxes for soldiers overseas. He also helped install memorial crosses in Jewett in honor of Memorial Day, and continued working into his later years to ensure the rows were perfectly aligned.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, George Hildreth; his stepmother, Helen Hildreth; four sisters, Dola Currie, Thelma Carter Mecham, Tulsa Snyder, and Dorothy Herrick; two brothers, Kenneth and Raymond Hildreth; and two stepbrothers, Charles and Dwain Smith.
He is survived by his children, Rodney (Jane) Hildreth, Barbara Hildreth, and Sandra Fletcher; his companion and, in Roy’s words, his “lifeline,” Esther Mae Blackstone; grandchildren, Chace (Erin) Smith, Nichole (Chris) Thomas, Chris Hildreth, Matt (Shelly) Hildreth, and Jim (Brittny) Hildreth; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home in Cadiz.
A funeral service took place Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Lee officiating.
Burial followed at Cadiz Union Cemetery, with military honors conducted.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Harrison County Military Support Group, 86990 Amsterdam Road, Jewett, OH 43986.
The memorial guestbook may be signed at www.clark-kirkland-barr.com.
