Lionel Eugene "Gene" Kilburn

Lionel Eugene “Gene” Kilburn passed away in Houston, Texas on June 20, 2024, at the age of 88. Gene was born December 13, 1935, in Boomer, WV to Lawrence and Margaret Kilburn. In early childhood, his family moved to Charleston, WV. It was in Charleston where be began his love for playing recreational sports, particularly baseball.

Upon graduation from South Charleston High School in 1954, Gene joined the United States Air Force in which he proudly served for 20 years. He received numerous awards, exemplary recognition certificates, ribbons, and medals. Gene served in Germany and later in Viet Nam. The military also provided a place for him to continue in the sports of flag football, basketball, and softball.

On November 1, 1957, Gene married Patricia Ann Fox and they lived the life of a military family stationed in various places across the United States. Their love of travel and sightseeing has been passed on to their five children. Gene has been a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge – a long tradition in his family. And upon retirement, has been a life member of VFW #9182 in Katy, TX.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, and their five children: Bryan Kilburn (wife Angie), Jo Corbitt, Diane Moore (husband Clay), Iris Meece, and Doug Kilburn. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one of his dearly loved sisters-in-law, Eva Fox.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Kilburn, and by his only sister Doris Jane Lupinetti, her husband, Michael, and by his infant brother, Tommy. Preceding him in death are also a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and a funeral service will be held at 10:00am, Monday, July 1, 2024. Both visitation and funeral service will take place at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079, followed by a brief committal service at Houston National Cemetery,10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038 at 1:30pm where Gene will receive military honors. All are welcome to both services. For additional details, please contact Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 281-497-2210.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Crossbridge Christian Church at 15415 West Road, Houston, TX 77095 or to VFW #9182, 6206 George Bush Dr., Katy, TX 77493