Kenneth Lee WILBUR

WILBUR, VAN SICKLE, MILLER, PARKINSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

January 21, 1935 ---- May 9, 2019

In Loving Memory

Kenneth Lee Wilbur, son of Harriet and Eugene Wilbur, died at age 84 on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at his home in Abilene, Texas. From his birth during a snowstorm in Randalia, Iowa on January 21, 1935 to his death, he touched the lives of many with his love for teaching, coaching, and sports. Due to the severity of the storm, Ken was delivered into this world, not by a doctor but by his aunt, Donna Van Sickle.

He attended school in Randalia and was active in multiple sports. Ken graduated from Randalia High school and played baseball for the Sumner Cubs. He went on to join the U.S. Air force and was stationed in France. In 1955, while at home on leave, he met Doris (Dodie) Miller in Hawkeye, Iowa. The two were married three years later on November 29, 1958 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. To this union three children were born. A son, Robin Lee, another son, Brent Lee, and a daughter, Angela Kristeen.

Ken devoted the next 33 years of his life inspiring others through his gift for teaching and coaching. Many lives were touched throughout his journey which began at the Grand Community School. His passion led him to a teaching/coaching position at Boone Valley High school in Renwick, Iowa and then on to Pomeroy High School where he would spend the next two decades. It is from here, where Ken would retire as an educator.

With the help of his son Brent, Ken's final business venture Southern Hills Kennel, took shape as he began breeding, training, and raising hunting dogs in Abilene, TX.

While continuing to grow the kennel, in 2014, Ken was diagnosed with cancer. It is at this point where Ken decided to finish his first novel, "Blue Eagle". The novel was published and the budding author went on to write six additional novels - all of which were published. A feat he would have never thought possible.

Ken continued to work the family business through December of 2018. Through his hard work, Southern Hills Kennel remains a successful business today.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Eugene R. Wilbur; his mother, Hattie Van Sickle Wilbur; his sister-in-law, Melody Parkinson Wilbur. He is survived by his wife Doris-Dodie-Miller-Wilbur; his sister, Ardath Wilbur of Bettendorf, Iowa; brother, Leslie, and wife Carolyn Wilbur of Sun City, Arizona; brother, Dennis Wilbur of West Des Moines, Iowa; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 9am at Elwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy. 277. Burial will follow at 11am Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 West Lake Rd. In lieu of flowers please send a memorial donation to: 3303 Beltway S. Abilene, TX 79606.

https://www.elmwoodfuneral.com/notices/Kenneth-Wilbur