Obituaries

Donald Wilbers

Photo of Donald Wilbers
Donald Richard "Dick" Wilbers, 69, of Osage Bend, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at his home. He was born November 26, 1941, in Wardsville, a son of John F. and Frances Van Loo Wilbers. He was united in marriage in September 1976 to Carolyn Barbee, who survives at the home. Dick served in the Missouri National Guard for five years. In 1982, he opened Johnny's Barbeque in Wardsville, later moving to the Best Western in Jefferson City and then to its present location off Route B in Jefferson City. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Other survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Wilbers of Wardsville; one son, Jim Wilbers and wife Christy of Jefferson City; three grandchildren, Landon Wilbers, Dylan Wilbers and Logan Wilbers; and six siblings, Jay "Shorty" Wilbers and wife Rosella of Wardsville, Jean Richter of Wardsville, Jerry Wilbers and wife Carletta of Wardsville, Joe Wilbers and wife Janet of Wardsville, Mary Wilde and husband Gene of St. Elizabeth, and Kathy Linnenbrink and husband Bob of Wardsville; and one sister-in-law, Ernie Wilbers of Jefferson City. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Frank "Butch" Wilbers. Friends will be received from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with Fr. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Private family interment will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dick Wilbers Grandchildren's Educational Fund or St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com

Published January 6, 2011