Darrel Eugene Hidlebaugh, Sr.

Mr. Darrel Eugene “Doug” Hidlebaugh, Sr., 79, of Swainsboro passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro.  He was born on July 10, 1945, to the late John Hidlebaugh and Thelma Howard Hidlebaugh in Muscatine, Iowa.  Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason Bradford; great-granddaughter, Kayce Lynn Henry.

At the age of 19, he joined the navy. He attended boot camp in San Diego and graduated as a radioman. In 1968, at the age of 23, he married the love of his life Karen Locke. They had three children together. Darrel Jr. of Adrian, the late Jason Bradford,  and Julie Hidlebaugh of Swainsboro. They lived in Florida, Greece, Guam, and Iowa before moving to Georgia. He retired from the Navy in 1985 after serving 20 years. In 1985 he became the Human Resource Manager of Keller Ladders in Iowa. In 1991, he moved to Georgia and became the Plant Manager of Keller Ladders in Swainsboro. After Keller's eventually he switched jobs to the Bellview plant. He finally had to retire in 2013 due to health issues.

He currently has 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. All his family was his pride and joy. Family meant everything.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen A. Hidlebaugh of Swainsboro; son, Darrel Hidlebaugh, Jr. (Bonnie Chavis) of Swainsboro; daughter, Julie Hidlebaugh (Joseph Hightower) of Swainsboro; brother, John Hidlebaugh, Jr. (Dixie) of Marion, IA; Sister, Janet Strause (Ron); 7 grandchildren: 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Graveside Service will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, October 25, 2024, at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glenville with Mr. Bill Kennedy officiating.

The family will receive friends Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Darrel Eugene “Doug” Hidlebaugh, Sr., 79, of Swainsboro.