Monte Bruce Hildreth, 70, of Kansas City, MO, died on Thursday, January 12, 2017 in Knox County, Illinois.

Monte Bruce Hildreth was born on July 9, 1946 in Jackson County, Missouri to J. Warren Hildreth and Juanita Bell Oliver Hildreth. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS. He attended Kansas State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television. Mr. Hildreth was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. He received a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Mr. Hildreth was retired and recently worked in maintenance at Schutte Lumber.

He was confirmed at Central United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO; and, in recent years attended St. James Anglican Church in Kansas City, MO. He loved riding the train and traveling, enjoyed music, and loved being with his family and friends.

Mr. Hildreth is survived by his brothers and sisters: J. "Jay" Warren Hildreth, Jr. and wife, Judith of Wamego, KS; Marsha Jean Madison of Topeka, KS; Russell Hildreth and wife, Sonya, of Prather, CA; Lonna Dea "Dede" Brokesh and husband, Edwin, of Manhattan, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Hildreth was preceded in death by his parents: J. Warren Hildreth and Juanita Bell Oliver Hildreth; his grandparents: Stanley A. Oliver and Lulu Rosine "Rose" Oliver; James F. Hildreth and Maude M. Hildreth; and, a brother-in-law, Donald Madison.

Funeral services were held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at St. James Anglican Church, 8107 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO and at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Bethel Church Rd., west of Montgomery City, MO. Bishop Leo Michael officiated and interment with full military honors was at the Bethel United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation was held from 2:00 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethel Cemetery Association, St. James Anglican Church, or Don Bosco Senior Center, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.