Troy Wilburn

KELSO, Mo. -- Troy Odell Wilburn, 82, of Kelso died at 10 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Troy was born May 18, 1935, in Hartford, Illinois, the son of Calvin and Glena Wilburn. He and Tonita Ann Moore of Cairo, Illinois, married June 29, 1954, in Mounds, Illinois.

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 age and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal while in Vietnam. He conducted studies and analyses at several headquarters, eventually retiring from the Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

Troy was considered to be a man of all trades. After retiring from the USAF, he held a variety of positions, including 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 in 1992.

Troy grew up and attended schools in Mound City, Illinois, where he excelled in sports. He continued to play basketball and baseball while in the service. He was an avid bowler for more than 40 years and a talented karaoke singer in his later years. He and Toni possessed an unusual love and attraction lasting more than 63 years. He was devoted to his family and always ensured 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 (J.B.) McClard of Scott City; five sisters, Lynda Stevens of Frankfort, Indiana, Patty (Harold) Schmarje of Jackson, Shirley Black of St. Louis, Donna Holman of East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, and Karen Rae (Michael) Smiddy of Hamilton, Ohio; 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 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday 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.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.