Ralph W. Kilbourn

Mr. Ralph W. Kilbourn, age 83 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. Ralph was born on January 10, 1933 in Centralia, Mo., a son of Lloyd Orlo and Trula Mae (Eckly) Kilbourn. He was married on December 7, 1957 to Shirley Dean Weldon. In July 9, 1989, he married Mary Hurt, who preceded him in death on December 9, 2013. Ralph was a 1951 graduate of Centralia High School. In 1955 he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. Ralph was employed for over 50 years as a truck driver with various companies, including Budweiser and Russell Stover. After retirement, he continued working until in his late 70s with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and the BPO Elks Lodge #513. Ralph was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed growing tomatoes in his garden and sharing his knowledge and talents with his grandkids. Survivors include: his children, Melvin (Karen) Kilbourn of Osawatomie, Kan., Kevin Kilbourn of Osawatomie, Kan., Pamela (Perry) Hodges of Louisburg, Kan., Lana (Damon) Kempker of New Bloomfield, Mo., and Brody Moss of Jefferson City, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Sara Hall, Dexter Carter, David Kilbourn, Krista Davis, Craig Kilbourn, Caleb Kilbourn, Courtney Kilbourn, Jacob Kempker, Grace Kempker, Duwane Patterson, Brandy Houston and Brandon Moss; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Gene) Phelps; and five brothers and sisters, Mary Kilbourn, Kenneth Kilbourn, Shirley Ferrell, Robert Kilbourn and Oscar Kilbourn. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday June 27, 2016 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Brian Credille officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Centralia City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com