Robert Wilbourn

9/30/30-10/16/26 Robert “Bob” Wilbourn was born to Isabelle Donaldson and C. Eugene Wilbourn at the start of the Great Depression in El Paso, Texas. He was born in Masonic Hospital, which is where the Sears store at Five Points was eventually located, and then it became a police station. Like many families during those tough times, their father was forced to turn over their house to the bank and since they could not pay their mortgage, “Bobby” and his four siblings moved around to various rent houses, ultimately settling on Richmond Street. Milk was delivered by horse and carriage and when it stopped in front of his house, Bobby would hitch a ride to the next block to play. Men, down on their luck, often knocked on the door, and his mom would always have a meal for them. Bobby’s father was a candy broker, and, always the salesman, Bobby would take the expired candy and sell it to the neighborhood children. Bobby eventually recruited these children to sell for him, and he just got a commission! He could take a streetcar downtown to shop, ride a horse in the desert just a mile or so from his house and have his parents to himself, since his 3 much older brothers were serving in WWII. At Austin High School he was senior class president, played varsity tennis and always had a girlfriend. In looking through his yearbook, every comment said he was a “SWELL” guy. At Texas Western (later UTEP) he was one of the early members of SAE-(Sigma Alpha Epsilon) and fondly remembered picnics by the Rio Grande with huge bonfires, Sadie Hawkins Day and Plaza Theater. Again, he was often pictured in the yearbook as escorting the Queen or Sweetheart. 

He and his friends carpooled to school, and the day Bobby drove was called “Black Thursday” because of the way he drove over Scenic Drive. Because of his participation in ROTC, upon graduation in 1952, he was sent to Korea as a commanding officer. After discharge, he moved to Dallas to “find a wife” and to serve as vice-president of L.D. Brinkman and Company. In Dallas he met Lena Lucas and they were married 6 months later (when you know, you know). They then moved back to El Paso where they helped start Western Hills United Methodist church, where he taught and served on numerous committees, especially “Fishers of Men” where he would share his faith. He went on to form Wilbourn Associates, a wholesale tile and carpeting business. Bob was first and foremost a man of God. He loved the Lord with all his heart and desired to serve Him.

 He loved and honored Lena for over 50 years and praised her to their children. He was a kind and loving father who desired for his children to love and serve God and their fellowman. Bob passed peacefully shortly after his 96th birthday. He is preceded in death by his parents, 4 siblings, and wife, Lena. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (John Miller), Robert (Linda), Jonathan (Amanda) and honorary daughter, Kathrin Berg. He was “Papa” to Katherine Ishak (Asaad), Johnny Miller (Kenalee), Jacob Miller (Alli), Zach Carroll-Miller, Mahrley Wilbourn, Brielle Wilbourn and Embry Wilbourn. He was a great-Papa to Olivia Ishak and Emory Miller. The family wishes to thank his long-time caregiver and part of our family, Maria Guadalupe Alderete, and Amanda at Hospice El Paso. The family also wishes to honor his friend and loving companion Sue Shover, who made his last years so fulfilling and happy. Bob never met a stranger and made all who met him feel seen and appreciated. 

Graveside services with military honors were held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Samaritan’s Purse on-line or to P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607