Wilbur Everett Thorsen

In 1943 as he was beginning pilot training in the U.S. Army (soon to become U.S. Air force), he met his future wife, Lenora Short. They were married before he left to help with the war effort. Two of his brothers, Sam and Dick, joined the military during this period.

Wilbur’s assignment was to fly C46 and C47 planes over the Himalayas from bases in India and Burma bringing much needed supplies to troops after land operations had been cut off. 1,314 crew members died, 1,171 survived and 345 were missing. He received numerous U.S. Metals (Distinguished Flying Cross) and in 1991 received the Chinese Air Memorial Award.

He returned to OKC and his wife, Lenora, after the war ended. They adopted two children, Gay and Greg who are now deceased. Lenora passed away in 2009.

Wilbur worked for Exxon (Humble Oil) 18 years. During his early employment, he went to night school at OCU and earned his geology degree. After Exxon, he worked for ODOT for 27 years.

He coached Little League, enjoyed tennis and played golf until age 96.

He attended OKC First Presbyterian Church from 1948 to the present. He served as a deacon and choir member.

He volunteered at Integris for over 10 years playing the piano and singing.

Services to be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at First Presbyterian Chapel, with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.