Staff Sgt. Christopher Wilbur

Staff Sgt. Christopher Alexander Wilbur, 36, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado and formerly of Granite City, Illinois passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Wilbur was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Fort Carson.
He was born February 26, 1980 in Granite City, Illinois.
In destiny and fate, he married, in his words, "My sweet and wonderful wife, the mother of their children, the love of my life and my most bestest friend in the whole universe", Lindsey Angele (Bishop) Wilbur on October 30, 2009 in Clarksville, Tennessee and she survives.
He graduated from Granite City High School in 1998 and had worked with friend, Jack Hoppe for several years as a drywall expert. The dedicated United States Army veteran proudly served in the Army since June 8, 2005. Wilbur was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Fort Carson, Colo. Wilbur had served in the Army since June 8, 2005, and arrived at Fort Carson on Sept. 30, 2015.Wilbur was deployed to Iraq from December 9, 2005, to December 11, 2006, and September 23, 2007, to November 20, 2008; and Afghanistan January 30, 2010, to February 6, 2011; and February 2016 to Aug. 12, 2016. His military occupational specialty was indirect fire infantryman and member of the mortar squad. His awards include four Army Commendation medals, two Army Achievement medals, four Army Good Conduct medals, a National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign medals with Campaign Star, an Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas ribbons, a NATO Medal, a Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, a Combat Infantryman Badge and an Air Assault Badge.
He was a true history buff, was an avid reader and very knowledgeable of most topics. He loved the outdoors and cherished days camping, hiking, rock climbing and snowboarding. He enjoyed playing chess, watching baseball and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, son and brother and will forever be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and the service he gave to his country.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his cherished children, Alexander Wilbur, age 6 and Susanna Happy Wilbur, age 2; his father and stepmother, Richard and Phyliss Wilbur of Granite City; mother, Peggy (Bischoff) King of the Granite City area; sister and brother-in-law, Rachael and Dan VanTassell of Abingdon, Virginia; brother, Matthew George of Granite City; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Susan and Wayne Yarrow of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; other extended family, brothers-in-Arms and many friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Ronald and Gladys Wilbur; stepfather, Steve and Uncle, Robin Wilbur.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service and full military honors at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests memorials may be made to The Fisher House Foundation, for Families of the Fallen, 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, Maryland 20850 and may be given at www.fisherhouse.org or may be accepted at the funeral home.
Irwin Chapel in Granite City is in charge of arrangements.