Chester Leon Hilburn of Rienzi died on Thursday, April 20, in Southaven, MS. He was born in Alcorn County on October 19, 1938, and was a 1957 graduate of Kossuth High School. Chester served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. The stories he brought home from his military service were told and retold many times over the course of his life. Chester worked for ITT in Corinth and then the City of Corinth.
Chester enjoyed life and loved many things, including horses and horse shows, Coonhounds, lawn mowers in need of repair, his vegetable gardens, along with Josephine, his wife of 60 plus years; his son, Keith; and his grandson, Brandon.
The past two and one-half years were difficult for Chester and his family as his disease progressed. But even as he transitioned to heaven one could still occasionally see his shy grin and hear his chuckle that reminded us of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His many nieces and nephews have fond memories of their Uncle Bubba who would let them ride his horses and lawn mowers and do things their parents would not.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Cleabert and Avie Loys Hilburn; his twin sister, Hester; and his son, Keith. His surviving family includes his wife, Josephine; grandson Brandon (Tiffany) of Rienzi; two great granddaughters, Khloey and Macie. He is also survived by his sisters, Dr. Barbara Jones (Russell), of Nesbit, MS and Dr. Brenda Monk of Germantown, TN. There are also numerous nieces and grandnieces and nephews and grandnephews and friends who are saddened by his loss.
The family acknowledges the loving care given Chester by County Cottage in Corinth, The Pinnacle in Southaven, Kare-At-Home Hospice, and other caregivers, nurses, aides, and medical personnel.
A Celebration of Life service for Chester will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 24, 2023, at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Pete Perry officiating. Visitation is Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. His burial will be in the Sardis Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Rienzi.
Pallbearers are Josh Monk, Kyle Bugg, Kevin Jones, Steve Glidewell, Jason Forsythe, Mike Bugg and Ronnie Bugg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter at https://www.alz.org/ms?form=alz_donate.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
