We are going to miss seeing him eyeing up that certain decoy, trying to be secretive and not let anybody see him checking it out several times throughout a show.  Especially that smile and grin of his when you’d see him.   He will  be missed very much, not only by family and close friends, but countless others that his kindness and knowledge  crossed paths with.

Holly, Lance, and Aaron,  i am so sorry to hear about Wilbur.  I remember coming to your house growing up with mom and dad.  Later in life I crossed paths again with Lance for a brief period of time.   Wilbur is with mom and dad again...they will take good care of him.  Take care.
Wendy Bailliez Zinser

Holly,
I am so sorry to hear that Wilbur has passed. I remember watching you get ready for him to pick you up for a date !!!!
Sending much love .

Holly, 

You and Wilbur have been such a blessing to those around you. I am so thankful to have gotten to know Wilbur and you over the years. 

I remember as a kid playing Polly Pockets with Grayce at your house and stumbling upon Wilbur making some decoys. I remember being so fascinated that he could make such beautiful pieces of art. I sat there asking him questions about the decoys for I don’t know how long before going back to play with toys. I will always remember how much he loved you, Lady, your family, and nature. 

From that time I sat watching him make decoys to the time he was skinning a deer in the garage where he had me touch the deer heart (that was still pumping in a water bucket), then him showing me how to cut the skin off of a deer, to him sitting outside after taking care of the lawn where he would occasionally talk to Sam Cretaro, or talking to Wilbur as my brothers, Cameron, Gage, Grayce, and I were playing outside as he did little things outside and in the garage. 

There were many moments when greeting Wilbur in the mornings or afternoons made me smile and glad to have neighbors that were so kind and friendly. Wilbur inspired me in my art projects, hunting, and dog training. He often would watch Apollo play in our front yard as we would talk from across the street. He would encourage me to keep up the training and working hard at school.

Wilbur is one of the most remarkable, talented, humble, and strongest man I have ever had the privilege of meeting. 
Thank you, for everything you both have done! 
   Much love,
                              Mackenzie Tharp

My sincere sympathy and prayers to Holly and boys.  We were neighbors when we lived at Blue Acres.  I have such good memories of those times.

Holly.. I am sad to learn about Wilbur. I will always remember his quiet demeanor and smile. I have great memories of all of us “back in the day”. My love and hugs to you and your family. Take care.  Pam Gardner

Holly & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss.  Dad was so proud of the carved duck Wilbur Gene gave him. He will always be remembered as such a kind man who was at every family event, whether it was a reunion, funeral, or anything.  My thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time.

Dear Holly & family,
Was sadden to learn of Wilber’s passing. 
Please accept our sincerest sympathy for your loss. I am thinking of you and the whole family and sending love and prayers  during this difficult time. Wilber was a wonderful husband and an amazing father, his legacy will always be remembered through his family.  

Love from the DeLong’s 
Russ & Diane

Love hugs and prayers to Holly and family. Wilbur was a very talented guy and we  enjoyed seeing his ducks he painted. May God surround you and your family with peace and comfort.

OBITUARY

Wilbur Irving

November 19, 1942 – December 31, 2024

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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