Wilbur Knupp Stilwell

A Memorial Service for Wilbur will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Funeral Home, 7301 East Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76112, Holly McKissick of Kansas City, KS, will be officiating. The burial will follow at a later date in South Park Cemetery, 3101 S. Main in Roswell, NM.

Wilbur Knupp Stilwell was born in Roswell, New Mexico, on December 18, 1926. He was the only child of Charles Johnston Stilwell and Laura Marie Knupp. He grew up in Roswell and graduated from Roswell High School. At seven years old, Wilbur lost his father and was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents. He grew up alongside his cousin Hannah, who was of a similar age. They were best friends and thought of each other as siblings.

On Wilbur’s 18th birthday in 1944, he volunteered for duty in the US Navy. Shortly thereafter, World War II ended. He served again through the Reserves in the Korean War. Wilbur then went to college at the University of New Mexico, where he earned a BBA degree in 1950. He was a cheerleader for one year and enjoyed stage acting.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Jean Tegler, on June 26 at the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell. Eleanor’s father, Homer Tegler, was the officiant and the minister of the church. Emily and Pruit Ginsberg, two of his cousin Hannah’s children, were in the wedding as flower girl and ring bearer. Wilbur described their marriage as a match made in heaven. They lived happily together for 58 years and had two children, Stephanie and Charles Tegler.

His “day job” was financing cars with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), where he worked for 40 years. His avocations and interests were many, including amateur acting, painting, carving, politics, literature, music, and golf, just to name a few. In 1959, Wilbur and his family moved to Alamogordo, where they cultivated many family friends. During his time living in Alamogordo, he performed frequently with the Alamogordo Music Theatre and in melodramas in Cloudcroft, NM. Wilbur was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving as an officer and Sunday School teacher, among other responsibilities. He was also in the Rotary Club.

The family moved to El Paso, TX, in February 1964. In the mid-’70s, Wilbur became involved in Lions Club shows and again participated in acting and singing activities. He stayed involved in the church by becoming an officer, Sunday School teacher, and also a choir member, performing a few solos throughout the years. He picked up golf again while in El Paso, playing more once Chuck became old enough, teaching him the basics. Off and on for several years, he would enjoy playing on the weekends with his son and a group of friends. Once retired, he played more frequently during the week.

Wilbur developed a particular interest in painting western landscapes, inspired by his work travels in Southwest Texas. A natural-born artist, he spent much of his free time painting. His art interests evolved into portrait painting in all media. When he lost most of his sight to macular degeneration, he did not falter with his love of art, but instead shifted his focus to wood carvings and more simplistic paintings. His art is still beloved by his family today.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, who passed away in 2012, his cousin Hannah and his grandson, Stephen Travis, who passed away in 2017. Wilbur’s parents, CJ “Charlie” and Laura Stilwell, and in-laws, Homer and Gertrude Tegler, and Nancy Tegler McLaughlin, his sister-in-law, have also passed away.

Wilbur is survived by his children, Stephanie Stilwell Cantrell, Chuck Tegler Stilwell, and Robin Boyd Stilwell; grandchildren Beth Cantrell, Spencer Stilwell and his partner Adrienne Carruthers, Graham Stilwell and his partner Frankie Duchow, and Katie Cantrell. Wilbur’s great-grandchildren, children of Katie and Stephen Cantrell, are Courtney Cantrell, Alysha Cantrell, and Travis Cantrell. Rascal, his dog, lives at Stephanie’s house.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to Community Hospice of Ft Worth or any charity of your choice. The Memorials may be sent to Community Healthcare of Texas, 6100 Western Place, Suite 105, Ft Worth, TX 76107. If online: www.Chot.org. At the bottom of the first page, there is a place to donate.

The family of Wilbur wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Castle Rock Assisted Living, Community Hospice of Ft Worth, and especially Alison Hrab, RN, and Delores, from Community Hospice, who kept us informed and answered questions without complaint for the last two years. Deidra Kindred, our nurse advocate, who also answered our questions and helped tirelessly for over three years. Finally, to Harriet Smith and Adriana Hernandez, from CareBuilders, who provided Wilbur with companionship and care several times a week for the last two and a half years.