Wilburn O. ""Bill Barbour

Wilburn Owen “Bill” Barbour of Scottsbluff, Nebraska died October 7, 2014. He was 94 years old. A family graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Ron Nuss-Warren officiating. The Dugan Kramer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Bill was born June 26, 1920 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Neal and Lois Barbour. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1936. He attended the University of Nebraska and Cornell University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also attended Harvard University Graduate School of Business, graduating in 1941. Bill was accepted into Cornell Law School, but was unable to pursue this due to the advent of World War II.

He served as a Lieutenant in the Navy during World War II. He married Lillian E. Strong in Washington, D.C. on August 16th, 1947. After his discharge from the Navy, they returned to Scottsbluff where he farmed and raised livestock for many years on land homesteaded in 1887 by his grandfather and great grandmother. He researched and implemented many innovative farming practices and was a Great Western Sugar Company “Hi Ten” sugar producer eight seasons.

Bill was a member and past deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Scottsbluff, member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and Honor Society of the University of Nebraska. He played clarinet in the University of Nebraska Band, in a small instrumental group accompanying the Cornell Men’s Glee Club, and in the Scottsbluff Municipal Band.

Bill is survived by three children, Charles Barbour of Gering, NE, Mary Anne Purtzer of Laramie, WY and Dwight Barbour (Jean Ann) of Scottsbluff. He is survived by five grandchildren, Aaron Purtzer (LeAnn) of Los Alamos, NM, Nathan Purtzer (Ruth Ann) of Guatemala City, Guatemala, Lyndsey Barbour of Littleton, CO, Anne Schriner (Ron) of Laramie, WY, and Brent Barbour (Rachael) of Omaha, NE. Bill is also survived by nine great grandchildren, Iris Purtzer, Silas, Shiloh, Eden, Eve, and unborn Purtzer, and Reese Olson, Emery and Ezra Schriner.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, his parents, his sister Jane Ramsey, and son-in-law Barry Purtzer. He had an inquisitive mind and truly was a life-long learner (especially when it came to golf!) He was dedicated to his family most of all, providing gentle leadership and a guiding light. He will be greatly missed.