John M. Hildreth of Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky on July 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Maysville, Kentucky, he was born on July 2, 1948, to the late Meredith Hildreth and Della Miller Hildreth Runner.
John was preceded in death by his younger brother, Meredith Hildreth, and his nephew, Ross Graden.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, JoNelle McDaniel Hildreth; his sons, John M. Hildreth II (Audi) of Hereford, Arizona, Jeffery M. Hildreth of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Jason M. Hildreth (Autumn), also of Bowling Green. He leaves behind grandchildren Kimberly Frye (Jon), Corey Jones (Victoria), Kirsten Underwood (Jonathon), Shelby Hildreth, Kaicee Hildreth, Jakob Hildreth, Ethan Hildreth, Elijah Hildreth, Alexandra Hildreth, Jaxon Herod, Jasmine Hildreth, and Hudson Herod; great‑grandchildren Oliver and Ella Underwood; his sister, Diane Edwards; nephews Justin Edwards and Eric Bardin; niece Kitty Tonn; and several great‑nieces and a great‑nephew.
John served honorably in the United States Army, retiring as a Sergeant Major after 29 years of dedicated service. He graduated from College High in 1966, earned his bachelor’s degree from McKendree College in 1986, and completed his master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in 1994.
He was a member of Masonic Lodge #934 in Park City, Kentucky, and a Past Master of Neal Lodge in Boyce, Kentucky. He also belonged to the Kosair Shriners in Louisville and the Scottish Rite Cave City/Bear Wallow bodies.
John enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing, and was an avid fan of the 1957 Chevy. He took great joy in the Tri-Five events each year. Above all, John and his wife devoted their lives to raising their sons, and he took tremendous pride in their accomplishments. He loved traveling and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his extended family, especially his grandchildren.
Arrangements are entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Cremation was chosen. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky in John’s honor.
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