Jerry R. Hilburn

Monday, September 21, 2009

Jerry Ray Hilburn, 59, of Bainbridge passed away Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 in Lafayette after a motorcycle accident.

Born August 14, 1950 in Greencastle, he was the son of Joy Leroy and Ethel Adaline Close Hilburn. He was a 1969 graduate of Greencastle High School. He married Karen Giltz on Aug. 28, 1971 and she preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2004.

Mr. Hilburn worked as a heavy equipment mechanic with MacAllister CAT in Indianapolis since his retirement in 2002 from the France Stone Company (now Hanson Stone), where he had worked 32 years.

He was a member of the Elks Club, an ABATE member and a member of the Harlan County Ridge Runners. He was a miniature railroad collector, an avid motorcyclist and rider of four-wheelers. He was a Christian, he never knew a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Survivors include his children, Jerry Hilburn Jr. and wife Rachel of Fillmore and Jennifer Black and husband Jim of Brookville; a sister, Margie Foster of Groveland; seven grandchildren, Kathleen Bunten, Colleen Hilburn, Connor Hilburn, Thomas Black, Clara Black, Morgan Braswell and Chloey George; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a brother, James Hilburn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Brick Chapel Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 705 Putnam St., Terre Haute, IN 47802.

Condolences may be shared with the family c/o www.bittlesandhurt.com