John Vernon Hilburn Sr, 87, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, surrounded by his loving children. Remembrance services will be held at a later date.
John was born August 29, 1933 in Independence Missouri, the son of Roscoe J Hilburn and Kathryn (Arterburn) Hilburn. He had many talents. John enjoyed cooking and baking, photography, oil painting, driving his Arabian horses, and square dancing. He was well traveled and lived many places with his family.
John was Past Master Counselor of the Order of DeMolay Mother Chapter #1, in Independence MO. He was past Worshipful Master of Blue Springs Masonic Lodge #337. John was also Past Commander, High Priest, and Royal High Priest of the York Rite in Sedalia, MO. He was a member of the Scottish Right of Tampa Bay, FL, and of the Ararat Shrine of Kansas City.
John proudly served the US Navy from 1952 to1956 on the USS Laffey. He worked for Foremost Dairy in Kansas City after coming out of the service. John worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis, MO. While with McDonnell Douglas, he traveled with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds as head electrician in the early 70’s. He owned and ran his business, Blue Springs Radiator, from 1977 until his retirement in 2005.
John was married to Mary June Cadle in 1954. They were married for 64 years when Mary preceded him in death.
John is survived by three children: John V. Hilburn Jr. (Margie), Mary K. Garcia, and Carla E. Creswell (Dale); six grandchildren: Jennifer Dromey (Michael), Rebecca Fruits (David), Jason Hansmann (Nichole), Ashlee Creswell (Donald), Sarah Garcia, and Rene Creswell; nine great-grandchildren: Henry, Jack, and Josephine Dromey, Ardun and Bennett Fruits, Bella Hoffman, Killian Creswell, Alyssa Farage, and Michelle Hansmann.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Kathryn Hilburn; two half-brothers, Lloyd Hilburn and RJ Hilburn; and half-sister, Arvella Luther.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441