Toni Wilburn

Tonita "Toni" Ann Wilburn, 86, of Kelso died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 1, 1937, in Mounds, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Cleo and Juanita Marie Holderfield Moore.

Tonita married Troy Wilburn of Mounds City, Illinois, on June 29, 1954, in Mounds. From the moment they met, they knew they were destined to be together and risked everything to do just that.

Toni grew up and attended school in Cairo, Illinois, where she excelled. She was an avid reader and loved learning. Upon her husband's return from Korea in 1955, she became the epitome of a military wife and mother. She loved the military lifestyle. Moving to various parts of the country and the world was something she enjoyed immensely, as well as being a leader and mentor to other military wives. Lending her voice and experience to the younger wives, she helped them adjust to military life for themselves and their families.

After retirement from the military, they were the owners of Pulaski County Building Center in Mounds for many years.

During the latter part of Toni's life, she resided in Kelso, where she maintained the family home for several decades. Toni enjoyed bowling in many leagues over the years and had a love and passion for karaoke that she shared with Troy. They sang in many parts of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Through these activities, Toni devoted a large and close circle of friends.

Survivors include her three children, Jay (Mary) Wilburn, Walt (Laura) Wilburn and Bonnie Miller, all of Cape Girardeau; sisters, Rita (Billy) Mangrum of Gordonville, Texas, and Karen Griffith of Chaffee; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Toni was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Troy Wilburn; her parents; and brother, Robert "Bob" Moore.

All friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Burial will be at a later date with her beloved husband at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.