Herbert Alan Hilgeman
- Herbert Alan Hilgeman, of Cordova, TN went to be with The Lord on January 8, 2024 after a long battle with cancer and scleroderma. He was 73 years old. Herb was born May 15, 1950 to Herbert Jacob and Evelyn Himes Hilgeman in Southgate, KY. He graduated from Highlands High School in Ft. Thomas, KY and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He received a Master’s in Education from Memphis State University. Herb coached for 41 years, which included 34 years as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Rhodes College. He is the leader in career basketball victories in Rhodes history and the SCAC Conference. He was named conference Coach of the Year numerous times, region coach of the year numerous times, and was inducted into his High School’s Athletics Hall of Fame, Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, and Rhodes College Hall of Fame. In September 2023, the basketball court at Rhodes College was formally named the Herb Hilgeman Court. He also received the NABC 2016 Division 3 Outstanding Service Award for contributing significantly “Inside and Outside the Lines” of coaching as a distinguished member of the community. Herb was a long time member of Lindenwood Christian Church. He was a Life Elder and Stephen Minister, and served on numerous committees. He was also active in the Emmaus Community.
The most important thing in his life was his family. Herb was married to the love of his life and best friend, Beth, for over 44 years. His greatest joys came from spending quality time with his children and grandchildren cooking out, playing cards, and spending summer vacations together. He was so proud of his family and loved them deeply. Herb is survived by his wife Beth, his children: Michelle (Shane) Pitts, Mary (David) Neal, David (Schuyler Dalton) Hilgeman, Charlie (Thalia) Hilgeman; grandchildren Desmond & Neva Pitts, Hannah Neal, Christian Hilgeman; his sister Verna Mason; and countless extended family and dear friends. Family and friends will remember his optimism, kindness, selflessness, sportsmanship, sense of humor, and connection with friends from each stage of his life. The family would like to thank West Cancer Center and the Physical Therapy department in particular for the care they provided to Herb over the past 7 years.
Memorial donations can be sent to the National Scleroderma Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., with service at 3:00 p.m. at Lindenwood Christian Church. Live stream will be available on lindenwoodcc.org.