Robert C. Hiltibran 88, of Urbana died at 12:16 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008 at home.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Rev. Walter G. Krech will officiate. Burial will be in Ferncliffe Cemetery, Springfield, Ohio. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Hiltibran was born on September 24, 1920 in Urbana, Ohio, the son of Isaac Lester and Sarah Comegys Hiltibran. He married Lois Armstrong on November 22, 1945 in Springfield, Ohio, she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters; Cheryl M. Hilitibran (David Richman) of Wayzata, MN and Karen (Michael) Salmon of Lynwood, WA, one brother; C. Walter Hiltibran of Urbana, Ohio, surrogate son; Jeff (Carla) Reese and family of St. Joseph and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son; R. Glen Hiltibran and one sister; Nellie F. Miller.

Mr. Hiltibran graduated from Urbana Community District High School in Urbana, Ohio, received his B.S. from Denison University in Granville, Ohio and his M.S. - PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran serving in the European Theater in WW II.

Mr. Hiltibran retired as a full Biochemist with the Illinois State Natural History Survey.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Urbana. A member of the American Chemical Society, Agronomy "Squanto" Association and Extension Services, North Central Weed Science Society, Sigma XI, Men's Amateur Softball Association (Fast Pitch) and the Hall of Fame, Illinois High School Association, Certified Official for Baseball, Basketball, Football and Softball and a honorary member of the Champaign Officials Association.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association, Carle Cancer Center, Urbana, American Heart Association or to an organization of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.