|
|
Wesley "Wes" Wilburnof Elm Springs, South Dakota, died on Thursday, December 24, 2015
|
Wesley Eugene “Wes” Wilburn was born December 7, 1935, at the ranch at Dalzell, South Dakota. He always told us it was a cold day out behind that bush down in the draw.
Wes received his elementary education in a little country school in Dalzell and then high school in Sturgis. Wes worked at many jobs in his life starting at a young age. At the age of 14, he went to work for the Chicago Outfit on the Two Rivers Ranch.
Wes proudly served his country in the Army from 1958-1964. He was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington, and served there during the Berlin Crisis in anticipation of war.
A perpetual flirt with spark of mischief, he caught the eye of Gladys Schuler – or was it the other way around. Wes married Gladys on June 10, 1961, on a day he recalled as being 110 degrees in the shade. They made their home on the ranch that he loved and where he was born and raised. They raised two strong boys, Charles and Ross, and two feisty girls, Brenda and Nena.
In December of 1970, Wes purchased a business in Wall, known locally as the “pool hall” or just “Wes’s.” He and Gladys ran that place together until it sold in 1981. Every teen 18-24 that grew up in the Wall area will remember it fondly as the place to go for some fun.
In 1981, Wes made his move back to the ranch full time. Wes always had a love and a good eye for well bred horses from a young age and was quite a hand. His wisdom and breeding program brought some exceptional bloodlines to South Dakota. We were always excited for the new foal crop.
Wes was a proud member of the AQHA for 64 years and was recognized for his 50+ years of being a breeder. Some of his fondest memories to recall were times spent cutting, rodeoing, and barrel racing with his kids. With a big heart and a love for all little kids, he always had a tootsie roll in his pocket to share.
Wes was also baptized and confirmed in 1964 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton, and later served as an Elder at the First Lutheran Church in Wall.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 54 ½ years, Gladys; his son Charles (Lois) of Black Hawk; his son Ross of Rapid City; his daughter Brenda (David) Wilburn Flint of New Underwood; his daughter Nena (Wade) Wilburn Nyberg of Box Elder. Also, he was very loved and proud of all his grandchildren: Felicia Kimball, Cassondra Wilburn, Tosha Wilburn, Shaylee Flint, Shawnee Flint, Wylie Flint, Cody Flint and Kallie Flint, Trey Nyberg, Laynie Nyberg, and Josie Nyberg. Also survived by three great-granddaughters Kyelah, Karrah and Arriah Kimball; and many nieces and nephews; and special friends Jim and Delayna Nelson.
Wes was preceded in death by his father Charlie and beloved sister Frances Kellem, as well as many well loved 4-legged friends of the dog, cat, and horse variety.
Visitation will be held one hour preceding the services.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Curtis Garland officiating.
After the luncheon, graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. at the Elm Springs Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
He always said when we lost a horse, he turned them loose in the big pen. Wes is riding one now, out in the big pen with a good dog at his side.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, December 29, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Curtis Garland
MUSIC
Mary Kay Wilson - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
"How Great Thou Art"
"Amazing Grace"
USHERS
Dennis Seiler - Roger Fortune
PALLBEARERS
Ross Wilburn - Charles Wilburn - Wade Nyberg
David Flint - Wylie Flint - Jim Nelson
Baxter Anders - Lynn Fields
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Cody Flint - Trey Nyberg - Felicia Kimball
Cassondra Wilburn - Tosha Wilburn - Shaylee Flint
Shawnee Flint - Kallie Flint - Laynie Nyberg - Josie Nyberg
Kyelah Kimball - Karrah Kimball - Arriah Kimball
INTERMENT
Tuesday, December 29, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
Elm Springs Cemetery
Elm Springs, South Dakota