He is survived by his sister, Alene Roof (husband Dayle). He is preceded in death by his parents, Ottis and Lucy Wilburn and his younger brother, Carl Wilburn (deceased wife Gloria).
He was a proud father of his three children: Doug (Lu Ann) Wilburn, Denise (Mike) Myers and Eric Wilburn. He also had 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.
Harlan was born in Lockbourne, Ohio. As a child, he relocated with his family to Carter County, Kentucky for a time before moving back to Lockbourne. He graduated from Hamilton Township High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. Following his honorable discharge in 1958 as a Specialist 3rd Class, he joined Columbia Gas Distribution Co. – where he met his future wife Patricia (Pat). They were married on November 28th, 1959 at Lockbourne Methodist Church. They settled in northwest Columbus and started their family two years later. “Herb”, a nickname he obtained in the Army, was an employee of Columbia Gas for 37 years before retiring in 1996 as a Senior Engineering Technician – specializing in pipeline coatings and corrosion protection.
In his retirement, his passion quickly become his mini-farm on “Duffy Acres” where he grew sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, peppers, watermelons, pumpkins, and other delicious vegetables. He enjoyed keeping his family and neighbors well stocked over the years with fresh produce. In addition, he maintained a thriving apple orchard and produced delicious cider every fall for family and neighbors using his hand cranked press. Not to mention, he also raised chickens, turkeys, and cattle that made many a good meal.
His prize possession was his 1953 harvester red Farmall Cub tractor. Over the years, he used it for mowing his pasture and disking/plowing his garden among other activities. Using his learned mechanic skills, he enjoyed working on it every year during the off-season to keep it maintained and in good running shape.
In addition to many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends, he extremely enjoyed the yearly trips to Sanibel Island with his wife Pat along with their several cruises to the Caribbean and Central America.
A special thanks to all the Hospice nurses that made his final months and days on this earth as comfortable as possible.
A visitation will be held at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 on Thursday February 15th, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A graveside committal service and interment will take place at Kingwood Memorial Park on Friday February 16th at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ohio’s Hospice of Morrow County.
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