Mr. Michael Delmar Wilburn

Michael D. Wilburn 49, of Westlake formerly of the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, March 02, 2016 at Ames Hospice House, Westlake after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Mike was born September 24, 1966 in Cleveland, was raised in Lakewood (Class of 1984). Following high school, Michael joined the United States Army serving 82 Airborne Division on active duty and reserve status until being honorably discharged in September of 1989. As a certified arborist and member of the International Society of Arborists (ISA), Mike worked out of state for a while as an arborist then returned to work locally for the City of Fairview Park. He then expanded his career and became the carpenter for the City of Lakewood, where he had worked for the past 10 years. Michael was described as a compassionate and peaceful soul. Caring for his family and doing for others was his passion. He loved to share his expertise with family and friends. When not doing for others, Mike found joy by working in his garden. His wife, Jen, called him a "bonafide tinker elf". Michael is survived by his wife Jennifer M. Baldesare-Wilburn and sons Owen M. and Liam R. He is also survived by his parents Delmar Wilburn (Jeanne) of Cleveland and Sue Green (nee Alward) of North Olmsted and siblings Michelle Martau (Terry) of Lakewood; Melissa Wilburn of Plano, TX; George Wilburn (Kellie) of Lakewood; Mindy Overby (David) of Orlando, FL and Megan Wilburn of Cleveland as well as many nieces and nephews. Prior to a celebration of Mike's life, he will be inurned with military Honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH, Friday, March 11 at 2:00pm, meet at the Busch Funeral Home 32000 Detroit Rd. Avon at 12:15pm Friday to process to the cemetery. A celebration of Mike's life will be at The East End Bistro, 11922 Madison Ave, Lakewood, Friday, March 11 from 5-8pm. Jen suggests memorial contributions in Michael's honor be made to Our Village Project at www.ourvillageproject.com , Hospice of the Western Reserve, Ames Hospice House at www.hospicewr.org or The Gathering Place at www.touchedbycancer.org . A "Go Fund Me" account for Michael's family has been set up to help with out of pocket medical expenses and other financial matters with regards to Mike's illness. https://www.gofundme.com/42s6d2yc