Richard Wilburn, age 79, of Olney, passed away at 12:35 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at his residence.

Richard was born July 10, 1936 in Flora, the son of Harold and Ina Wilburn. He married Violet Sours on May 6, 2000. She survives.

Richard was a US Army and Illinois National Guard veteran. Richard took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO., in the winter of 1959. He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Richard taught mathematics for two decades. At Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, IL Richard was an assistant basketball coach and varsity tennis coach for several years. In later life, Richard enjoyed golf, chess, reading, and travel. From 1982 – 1986 competing in U.S.T.A. sanctioned tennis tournaments in Northern Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.

Beginning in 1988 thru 1997 Richard was a sales representative for St. Clair Corporation (St. Louis) in a performance based six day a week adventure. Cancun and Nassau were among many fond memories of a job that was almost as much fun as playing tennis.

Richard is survived by his wife Violet; sister, Peggy Long of Logan, Ohio; 2 step-daughters, Violet Mae Frost and family and Patty Wright and family; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Haven Hill Memorial Gardens. Gary Wachtel and Richland County Veterans’ Organization will be officiating.

Thrasher Family Funeral Home obituary - posted June 16, 2016