Herman “Sonny” Hilden III
Herman “Sonny” Hilden III, beloved husband, father, brother, proud PawPaw, and friend passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, in Texas City, Texas at the age of 77.
Sonny was born on August 4, 1948 in Texas City, Texas. Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Buddy & Virginia Hilden and Jack & Lou Lawler.
Sonny, survived by his loving wife Alana Hilden of 57-years, his children: Suni Kristene Smothers, her husband Tommy, Herman Ted Hilden, his wife Amanda, and William Palmer. His siblings: James “Axle” Hilden, his wife Stephanie, William “Billy” Hilden, his wife Diane, Teresa “Terry” Fails, her husband Dalton, David Hilden and sister Patsy; three grandchildren: Aaron Smothers, Alyssa Smothers, and Codey Hilden; one great-grandson Braxton Askew; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sonny started in the plumbing industry back in the late 60’s and was supported by ANCO Plumbing. In 1976, Sonny and Axle continued the family business by owning and operating Buddy’s Plumbing Inc. for 40-years.
Sonny retired from Buddy’s Plumbing and became a Plumbing Inspector for the City of Texas City, then became a Building Inspector for Bureau Veritas. Sonny was also an Ordained Deacon of the Baptist Church.
In Sonny’s free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and gardening.
Sonny’s life journey was filled with strong family ties, friendships, and several memorable moments, where he loved sharing stories with his family and friends.
Sonny was a man of his word and a man who knew the value of hard work, the importance of laughter, and the irreplaceable warmth of spending time with loved ones and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on December 04, 2025, at James Crowder Funeral Home, La Marque. A service will follow at 6:00pm with Pastor Kevin Wiltshire, Chaplin Clay Bowers and Pastor R.L. Calhoun officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors or Veterans of Foreign Wars in Sonny Hildens name.
All my thoughts and prayers are with my sweet friend and her precious family at the loss of her husband, Sonny! Wish I could be there!
Sonny and I go back to our childhood and teenage years. I used to help him throw an early morning paper route in his 1959 Ford. He left a job at the Dairy Mart on the corner of 21st and Palmer where the Jack In The Box is now and went to work at the Exxon station across Palmer. I moved in behind him and took his old job at The Dairy Mart. He lived right down the street from me in 34th Avenue when we were growing up and often stopped and gave me a ride to high school.
My heart aches for the whole family. Words escape me.
Sonny is in a far better place now and his pain is over.
I’ll be seeing him again before too long. I’m the last of my high school friends still living. I know he’s saving a place for us.
My deepest condolences to Alana and family in the loss of Sonny. I will remember sharp wit even in his struggles. May God give you all peace and comfort in this time of deep grief. He will be missed deeply by his community of friends.
May God console and give you a peace that is beyond all understanding Alana, and family. Sonny was a great friend and we shared many great times together both on the golf course and off. My heart is broken for the family but I know that my brother in Christ is home now, and has no pain. May Sonny rest in peace, amen.