Damon Willbern Jr

Damon Alfred Willbern, Jr. age 92, passed away at his home in Coffeyville, Kansas with his family.

Damon was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 30, 1925 to Damon Alfred Willbern, Sr. and Zelma (Stevens) Willbern. He moved to Coffeyville as a child and made his home with his father and step-mother Marjorie Miller Willbern. He graduated from Missouri Military Academy in 1944 and served in World War II in the Army 329th Infantry Regiment 83rd Division. After his honorable discharge he returned to Coffeyville and attended Coffeyville Community College.

On September 5, 1947 he married Esther Jo Livingston. The couple made their home in Texas before returning to Coffeyville to raise their family. Mr. Willbern was the Vice President and manager of The Music Box. Upon the closing of that business he made his living as owner and operator of Red Nose Sam's Pawn Shop until retirement.

Damon was proud of his service to his country, never met a stranger, enjoyed Big Band music and traveling. He believed travel to be one of the best forms of education. He most desired to make a difference for his family and loved to share his experiences and advice with them and everyone he met.

Damon's family who continue to cherish his memory are: daughter and son-in-law Connie and Jon Graham of The Woodlands, Tx; brother David Willbern and wife Margo of New Mexico; grandchildren Daniel Atkinson of Coffeyville, Jocelyn Larson of Dallas, Haley Arizmendi of Houston, Jeremy Willbern of Fayetteville and Andrew Jerrid Cook of Tulsa; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Esther Jo, infant son Steven, daughter Marcia Atkinson, son Marc and step-sister Patricia McKay.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 11 am at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas with Chaplain Mike Graham officiating. Military Honors will be provided by Ft. Riley Big Red One and Coffeyville VFW Post 1022 and American Legion Post 20. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 29, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm at the Chapel. The family has requested memorial contributions be made payable to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Coffeyville American Legion Post 20. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel. To leave the family a message of condolence visitwww.fordwulfburnschapel.com

Visitation

Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel
2405 Woodland Ave
Coffeyville, KS  67337
Monday, October 29, 2018
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Service

FordWulfBruns Chapel
2405 Woodland Ave
Coffeyville, KS  67337
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
11:00am

Cemetery

Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery
2000 Woodland Ave.
Coffeyville, KS  67337

Memorial Contributions

American Legion Post 20
Coffeyville,   67337

Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
Wichita, KS