John Michel Hilbert Sr

John Michel Hilbert Sr. age 61 of West Jefferson, Ohio, peacefully returned to our Heavenly Father the morning of August 28, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.

John was born December 5, 1963 in Norfolk, Virginia to William John Hilbert Jr. and Rosemarie Rita Erdos Hilbert. He has told many stories of growing up with his siblings and friends. He loved to go crabbing and fishing, and enjoyed sharing those memories with everyone around him.

John’s greatest passion was serving others. John would seek out the elderly, widowed, or homebound people in the neighborhood, and shovel snow or mow their lawns, just to make their life a little easier. He loved to cook and bake. When he knew someone was coming to visit, he would be found in the kitchen baking brownies or cookies for them. He enjoyed gardening, and would plant more than enough, so that everyone he came across would have some fresh veggies. Although his time was short in Utah, John was finding a love and appreciation for the mountains and scenery. He brought that same enthusiasm and love for nature to Ohio, where he just marveled in the beautiful world around him. Although, the beach was still his favorite scenery. He found so much pleasure in sitting on the porch every morning waiting for the sun to rise and then feed the birds and squirrels. He loved being outside. John almost always had Fireball candy in his pocket and would share them with anyone that would eat them. John lived his life the best he knew and left this Earth hoping that everyday he was able to make at least one person smile. While our hearts mourn him, we take comfort in knowing he is pain free, and there is no more suffering behind his smile.

Remaining here to cherish memories of John are his wife, Tina Hilbert; Children, Windy Bixler in NC, Andrew (Erica) Bixler in NC, John Michel (Lauren) Hilbert in VA; Step-children, Kasey Rollins in OH, Jason (Hannah) Gardner in Utah, and Brianne (Jamie) Jellings in Utah; Grandchildren, Lilly, AJ, Luke, Abigail, Beckett, Hazel, Melanie, Meleah and Freya; Step-mother, Pam Hilbert in VA; Mother-in-law, Linda Mabey in OH; Brothers, Billy (Tina) Hilbert in FL, George (Robyn) Hilbert in VA, Joey Hilbert in ME; Sister, Carolyn (Bob) Huston in TN; Sister-in-law, Nancy in GA; Brothers-in-law: Corey Mabey in OH, Douglas (Alanna) Mabey in Utah, and Steven (Jessica) Mabey in OH; He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

John was reunited in Heaven with his Parents, William and Rosemarie Hilbert, Father-in-law Brian Mabey, Brothers John Charles Hilbert, Charles “Charlie” David Hilbert, and Michael Hilbert. And many other family members and friends.

Graveside services will be held September 13, 2025 at 10 am at Hampton Cemetery, 56 Chapel Square Ct, West Jefferson, OH 43162 Cremation was performed by Shaw-Davis Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions can be made by Zelle or PayPal to beanieboptm@gmail.com or by CashApp $beanieboptm

John fought a valiant 3 year battle with cancer, all the way until the very end. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Joel Rice and the oncology team at Madison Health Hospital/OSU Wexner Center, and Dr. Jinesh Gheeya and his staff at OSU Wexner Center. Also, all those Doctors, Nurses, PCAs, and staff at The James Cancer Hospital, The Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing, Dublin Methodist Hospital, Madison Health Hospital and The Kobacker House for all the care and support they have given to John and Tina over the past 6 months.