Wilburn Dixon Sr.

GOLCONDA, Ill. -- Wilburn E. Dixon Sr., 98, a resident of rural Golconda, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Randy Belford.

Wilburn was born Feb. 28, 1922, in Johnson County, Illinois. He was the son of Willard G. and Nancy Catherine Adams Dixon. On Feb. 8, 1945, Wilburn was united in marriage to L. Louise Lievers in Carlinville, Illinois. She preceded him in death Feb. 6, 2000.

Wilburn was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) at the Eddyville, Illinois, camp. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged.

He was employed as a tool grinder by Caterpillar Tractor Co. Inc. at the East Peoria, Illinois, facility. He retired with 32 years of service. Additionally, Wilburn operated both a Texaco and a Sinclair service station in Bartonville, Illinois. Following his retirement from Caterpillar and move back to Southern Illinois, Wilburn purchased and operated a garbage truck route from Hartley Bates. Wilburn operated this business until the age of 89 years.

Wilburn was a member and elder of New Liberty Church, southeast of Eddyville. He was ordained an elder during the pastorate of the Rev. Clifford Barger.

Wilburn enjoyed spending time outside working and "piddling."

Wilburn is survived by his children, Kay (Mark) Kielhofner of Oran, Missouri, Teri Northern of Golconda, Rebecca (Victor Hertter) Sisco of Golconda, Cindy (Randy) Belford of Golconda, Rose (Curtis) McIntyre of Jackson and Steven R. (Michelle Walls) Dixon of Golconda; 30 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wilburn was preceded in death by a son, Wilburn E. Dixon Jr.; daughters, Ruth Ann Clutts, Nancy Mechling and Debbie Jones; sons-in-law, Clarence Clutts, Johnny Jones and Robert J. Sisco; granddaughter, Cheree' Dixon; and brothers, Harold and Lotus Dixon.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Waltersburg Cemetery in rural Pope County, Illinois.

A public celebration of the life of Wilburn Dixon is tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m. June 14 at Waltersburg Church.

Memorials may be made to Pope County Senior Citizens, P.O. Box 246, Golconda, IL 62938, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To share a memory of Wilburn or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, visit www.baileyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, Illinois.