Wilburn, Herbert Eugene

Herbert Eugene (Gene) Wilburn, 91, of Staffordsville, Va., passed away Friday, November 26, 2010. He was born October 7, 1919 in Giles County, Thessalia, Va. the son of the late Herbert Easley and Vera Eaton Wilburn.

He was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Edna Lillian Wilburn; two brothers, Randolph and Ted Wilburn; a sister, Ernestine Minnick.

Surviving is his stepson, Albert Boyd Eaton and wife, Sharon Elaine Eaton, Leesville, S.C.; a stepgranddaughter, Christine Pawley of Aiken, S.C.; three sisters, Mary Lafon of Townsend, Tenn., Dona Wissler and Jo Munsey of Roanoke. He will be remembered as a devoted loving husband, father and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Eugene was a World War II army veteran (Staff Sergeant) proudly serving his country from 1942 to 1946. During his tour of duty he served as Sergeant of the Guards at the Nuremberg Trials in Nuremberg, Germany. He worked at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Radford, Va. from 1951 to 1981 where he retired. He was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, farming, horse back riding, raising beef cattle and taking care of his favorite cats and dog, Lady. He was a member of a local VFW and community Triangle Ruritan Club for many years. Eugene was a life long active member of Eaton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Staffordsville, Va.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Eaton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Staffordsville, conducted by the Rev. Jack Jenkins, the Rev. Wayne Monroe. Military graveside rites in the Eaton’s Chapel Church Cemetery by Narrows V.F.W. Post #6000, Narrows American Legion Post #68 and Pembroke American Legion Post # 311. The visitation will be Monday, November 29, 2010 at the church from 5 to 8 p.m. where the family will receive friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton’s Chapel Church, c/o Frankie Wilson, 3085 Pulaski Giles Turnpike, Pearisburg, Va., 24134.