HERBERT LEE KILBURN, 79 NEWCASTLE, Okla. - Herbert Lee Kilburn, 79, of Newcastle, Okla., passed away peacefully on May 17, 2013. He was born on April 26, 1934, in Kansas City, Mo., to Al and Marie (Irwin) Kilburn, grew up in Freeport, Ill., and was a 1953 graduate of Freeport High School. He had a love of sports, especially softball, basketball, and golf, and passed this appreciation, knowledge, skill, and talent on to his children as he supported and nurtured their efforts. Herb married Mary Jane Bushelle on May 20, 1956, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport. He was a loving husband for 57 years, as well as a devoted father. Together, Herb and Mary Jane resided in Del City, Okla., for over 40 years where they raised seven children. They were members of St. Paul Catholic Church where Herb served as usher, lector, and Eucharistic Minister. Herb began his professional career by enlisting in the
United States Air Force, serving four years during the
Korean Conflict. After his military service, he began his civilian career at Tinker AFB as an Electronics engineer designing and overseeing the installation of radio and radar systems utilized in air traffic control towers and communications systems around the world. He has enjoyed retirement since 1991. Herb is preceded in death by his parents, Al and Marie Kilburn; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Anne Bushelle; brother-in-law, Bill Bushelle, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Kilburn. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; seven children, Mary Anne (Lewis) Evans, Sandra (David) Cunningham, Mike Kilburn, Brian (Shanna) Kilburn, Sharon Swyden, Carol (Archie, Jr.) Card, and Tom Kilburn; grandchildren, Chris, Roy, Andrew, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Matthew, Lauren, Samuel, Chase, Ryan, Allison, Alex, Nicole, Kailey, Dustin, Danielle, and Madelyn; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John (Mary) Kilburn; two nieces, Jill (Tim) Sandberg and Joellyn (Brent) Veninga, and their sons; and sister-in-law, Victoria Bushelle. Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, at Ford Funeral Service, Midwest City, Okla. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, at St. James The Greater Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, Okla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
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