William R. Kilburn

William R. Kilburn of Harlan Township, Butlerville Ohio, passed away at the age of 91 on November 1,2025 in Lebanon,Ohio. He proudly served in The Reserves and the Air Force. He retired from Ford Motor company in Sharonville,Ohio.

William was a devoted husband to his first wife Janet Merry (deceased) and to his second wife Ella Burke (deceased). William and Janet had 5 children : Alice (Raymond) Shockley, Darrel (Barb) Kilburn, Jeff (Alice) Kilburn, Anita (Linvelle) Deaton, Sue (Ricky) Holtzclaw. He was a loving papaw to numerous grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

William is survived by his sister Shirley Peebles, Cathy Hunter, Patty Warrick. He is also survived by many loving family and friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents Carter and Mabel Kilburn; sister Mildred Rhinhimer, brothers; Richard Kilburn, Raymond Kilburn and Timothy Kilburn.

William (Bill) was known for his love for Bluegrass Music and man of few words untl you put a mandelion in his hands . He had a great sense of humour and a sparkle in his eye when he laughed. He not only lived his life thru his love of music but was also talented enough to make the instruments he played. You rarely seen him walk into a room without a mandelion around his neck or a guitar in his hands. He was blessed to be able to play with alot of very talented some even famous musicians and also played in alot of churches with some wonderful friends and family. He will forever be missed but will live on thru the heritage of Bluegrass music he left behind.

Visitation will be Thursday November 6th at 12:00 and funeral at 1:00 at Shorten and Ryan Funeral Home. Rev.William Corn officiating. Burial will be at South Lebanon Cemetery.