Richard Dale Hilburn

Dale was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on October 9th, 1943 but grew up in the Eaton/Lynn Community of northeast Arkansas. His parents were Owen and Mary (Shaver) Hilburn. He proudly served in the Army and received his GED, along with some college courses for farm management. After the Army he dedicated his life to Christ.

Dale was married to Janis Rae (Engles) Hilburn on November 8th, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona.

He worked for the Phoenix Newspapers Inc. in Phoenix for five years. Then moved back to Paragould, Arkansas and had a small 10-acre farm while working at the Monroe Shock Absorber Plant. After moving back to Phoenix in 1978, he worked for Appliance Repair Center, then for himself, then retired after 22 years with Sears as an appliance technician.

Dale was a member of the American Legion in Arizona for several years. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifleman’s Association, the North American Hunting Club, and the North American Fishing club and also a member of Promise Keepers.

He always served in the church in some capacity, whether driving a “Joy” bus, or helping teach 30 children in Bible class at Metro Church of Christ, or later leading the praise and worship team at Jesus First! Church, with serving as an elder alongside his best friend, Jerry Selvidge, until he could no longer due to Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia.

Dale’s hobbies included gardening, fishing, playing guitar and singing, and writing. He loved his family, and was always proud to share his experiences.

Those who preceded him in death were his parents, his brothers Charles and John Hilburn, and two sisters, Genelda Hilburn, and Eulene Freeman.

Dale is survived by his wife Jan, and five children, and 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grand-children. He has one sister, Lou Ann (Bob) Shaw still living, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and a sister-in-law Jean Hilburn, living in Searcy, Arkansas.

Dale’s sons and daughters all reside in Arizona. They are Adam Ethan Hilburn, David William Owen Hilburn (Glenda), Dawn Elle (Kirk) Maskell, April Rae (Aaron) Carr, Timothy Dale Hilburn.

Most of Dale’s grandchildren live in Arizona and are, Todd Hilburn, Ashley (Jason) Schorey, Hunter Hilburn, Hailee Hilburn, Hayden Hilburn, Hansen Hilburn, Logan Hilburn, Holdyn Hilburn, Jacob Brooks, Maylin Hilburn, Aricin Carr, Sydney Schumacher, Azaiah Carr, and Alijah Carr. Great-grandchildren are Ryker Schorey, Catalina Hilburn, Lilah Schorey, and Mia Hilburn. Dale knew them and loved them all, especially when they came over to the house to eat, and “play.”

There will be a memorial service held at Jesus First! Church located at 498 W. Missouri, Phoenix, Arizona at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 4th, 2022, with refreshments to follow. Internment will be held later the same day at 2:00 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.

Donations may be made to Jesus First! Church, the American Legion, or Hospice of the Valley.

Dale believed strongly in three things: Serving God, Family, and Country.

Well done, good and faithful servant!