Troy Odell Wilburn

Troy Odell Wilburn, 82, of Kelso, MO, died at 10:00 p.m. on March 15, 2018 at Saint Francis Medical Center. Troy was born May 18, 1935 in Hartford, IL, son of Calvin and Glena Wilburn. He and Tonita Ann Moore of Cairo, IL were married June 29, 1954 in Mounds, IL. Troy's first career was with the U.S. Air Force where he served as Chief Management Analyst for many military operations. He was involved with the occupation of Korea, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the first Unified Command Headquarters, long range bombing of North Vietnam, and working on major operational plans. He achieved the highest enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) at an unprecedented early date and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal while in Vietnam. He conducted studies and analyses at several headquarters eventually retiring from SAC Headquarters in Omaha, NE. Troy was considered to be a man of all trades. After retiring from the USAF, he held a variety of positions that included owning a lumber yard and several home remodeling businesses. He served as department director in a Community Action Agency, ran a bowling alley and managed apartment complexes. He and Toni lived in several Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri locations during that period before settling in Kelso, MO in 1992. Troy grew up and attended schools in Mound City, IL where he excelled in sports. He continued to play basketball and baseball while in the service. He was an avid bowler over 40 years and a talented karaoke singer in his later years. He and Toni possessed an unusual love and attraction that lasted over 63 years. He was devoted to his family and always insured quality family time. He will be sadly missed by his family and ever increasing circle of friends. Troy is survived by his loving spouse and three children; Russell Jay (Mary) Wilburn of Cape Girardeau; Walter Lowell Wilburn of Scott City and Bonnie Marie McClard (J.B.) of Scott City; five sisters, Lynda Stevens of Frankfort, IN, Patty (Harold) Schmarje of Jackson, MO; Shirley Black of Saint Louis, MO, Donna Holman of East Cape Girardeau, IL and Karen Rae (Michael) Smiddy of Hamilton, OH; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Troy was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Harold, Barry and Michael Wilburn. Friends and relatives may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. Funeral service will be Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tommy Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield with full military honors. Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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Troy Odell Wilburn

May 18, 1935 - March 15, 2018