William Wilburn

William James “Bill” Wilburn was born April 13, 1916 in McCurtain, Oklahoma the son of Thomas Shelton Wilburn and Myrtle (Howell) Wilburn. He completed the 10th grade in McCurtain High School. He married Lillie Mae Marie McElhaney on April 7, 1941 in McCurtain, OK. They were happily married for fifty plus years. Bill attended Electrical Engineering School in Oakland, California in 1941. He worked for the Richmond Shipyard as a welder in Richmond, CA and as a Hoist Operator for the Empire Star Company at Grass Valley, California. He then worked as a salesman for International Harvester in Visalia, California. On May 30, 2012, Bill married Lydia Bowen in Stigler Oklahoma.

Bill served in the Army during WWII, beginning on December 17, 1943. He was a PFC Troop G 5th Calvary. Decorations and citations received were: American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Metal with 4 Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and 1 Overseas Service Bar. Bill was given an honorary discharge on January 30, 1946.

Survivors include: his wife Lydia (Bowen) Wilburn, of the home; two sons, Christopher G. (Connie) Wilburn of California; Steven B. Wilburn (Lyndella) of Alaska; stepsons, Richard (Antia) of Colorado, Rodger (Beth) of Oklahoma and Russel (Bambi) of California; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, other relatives and many many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Lillie Mae Marie McElhaney, two brothers and one sister.

A funeral service was held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the Kelley Memorial Chapel with Rev. John Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA. A graveside service will be held at the Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, California on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hbmfuneralhome.com or at www.millerchapel.com.