John Wiley Hilburn

John Wiley Hilburn, 48, of Searcy, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Forrest City Medical Center.  He was born March 10, 1969, to Edward and Alicia Coyle Hilburn in Stuttgart.  He was a Union Pacific Railroad employee and a former police officer.

John was first and foremost a family man.  All of his spare time was spent with his children and grandchildren attending their events and just being PawPaw.  He never met a stranger and was known for his big smile and great sense of humor.  No one could be around John without smiling and laughing at his latest prank, joke or story he had to tell.

He leaves to cherish his memory a son, John Edward Hilburn and fiancée, Rachele Kesterson of Searcy; two daughters, Hollie and Jonathan Thompson of Searcy and Jada and Rhine James of Belleville; a sister, Rose and Bobby Graham of Carlisle; eight beautiful grandchildren, Macy, Rhett, and Adalyn Thompson, Isabella Kesterson, and Bladen, Levi, Jadan and EllaKate James; two nieces, Tori Tullos of Carlisle and Caitlin Walker of Stuttgart, and a nephew, Austin Foot of Hazen.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.  Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 2 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen by Brother Terry Taylor.  Burial will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff.  Pallbearers will be James Ray Boston, Jeff Rounsavall, Rusty Fischer, Austin Foot, Darrell Turner, Chris McCrea, Charles Allen and James Earl Hicks.

21 thoughts on “John Wiley Hilburn”

  1. John will be missed so much. I enjoyed working with him. You could never be down around John because of his.great sense of humor. Prayers are with his family. God Bless

  2. Leslie Jackson

    John will be missed by the Class of HHS87. May God bring peace to your family. Your smile, laugh, fun personality, and kindness will be remembered always. You will be missed my friend.

  3. Big Al Davenport

    Big John always happy with a smile. I have a lot of memories with John he is also the man I use to ride with at night while he was on duty with the Sheriffs Department. John was just a fun guy to be around and also a guy I called my friend. Big John fly high buddy until we meat again.

  4. Shanna Fisher

    I will miss talking to him at practices and gymnastics meets. He was absolutly precious and so sweet. Always had a smile that brightened up a room. Praying for you all.

  5. Rose Kesterson

    John will be so missed, He was not only a dedicated father but a great PawPaw as well. His heart was as big as his smile. Our prayers are with his family daily. Rest in Peace

  6. John was a good man to work for. He was also a good guy to have as a friend. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace.

  7. Jacob Thompson (dirty face)

    He was and is a good man I have worked with him for four years. No matter what when we were around each other it was nothin but agrivateing each other.Man all the stories we have will always be remembered and you will be remembered love u big John fly high

  8. Colema loved John so much, he was like a son to her and he felt the same about her. Now they will be together up there and she will be able to see that grin every day. Look after her for me John, I’ll be with y’all pretty soon!

  9. Denene Hickman

    John will be missed by so many. He never met a stranger and would help anyone in need. I loved working with him and will miss his sense of humor. Heaven gained another beautiful angel..RIL John…

  10. John was such a kind and sweet person. He always had a kind word to say to you and always met you with that beautiful smile. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

  11. John was a great neighbor when I lived in the
    Grady Addition in Hazen years ago. The last
    We spoke he was so anxious to move to Searcy
    To be near his family. Could not help thinking of
    John today as Larry died 5 years ago today. John
    Bought Larry’s truck after he died and said I will
    Work on it and be driving it all over. John was
    A very talented and friendly person. Prayers
    To all his family. God Bless!
    Joyce Madar
    Cumming. Georgia

  12. The real Mr Bill

    I never met JOHN. But he was a friend to jeff OLSON. That makes him my friend. Rest well old friend

Comments are closed.