WESTHOFF - Melvin "Boobie" Hilbrich, 80, of Westhoff, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in Cuero. He was born Oct. 20, 1928, in Westhoff, to the late Otto Hilbrich and Ella Afflerbach Hilbrich. He married Angelene Baros Hilbrich on Aug. 29, 1953, in Giddings.

He served in U.S. Navy. He was a life member of the Cuero V.F.W., a member of the Westhoff American Legion, a member of Westhoff Vol. Fire Dept, and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff.

He owned and operated Ruby Begonia's Roost for 32 years and also operated 4'c vending company for many years. He was a rancher during his retirement years.

He is survived by his wife; son, Kent Hilbrich of Westhoff; sisters, Irene Hilbrich Denny of Westhoff and Joycie Hilbrich Kahlich of Cuero; grandchildren, Justin Hilbrich, Brandon Hilbrich, and Kenci Hilbrich; and his good pal, Rollie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mel Hilbrich; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Calk Hilbrich.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff with the Rev. William Hill officiating. Burial will be at Westhoff Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Justin Hilbrich, Brandon Hilbrich, Kenci Hilbirch, Tommy Baros, Ricky West, and Adam Gonzales.

Honorary pallbearers are Eugene Janicek, Denis Mueller, Gregg Bunjes, Bobby Kurtz, Clarence Meyer, G.T. Lord Jr., Billy Ray Hilbrich, Irene Veit, Ronnie Afflerbach, and Leslie Keller.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff or Westhoff Cemetery.

Freund Funeral Home, Cuero, 361-275-2343.