Captain Walter E. Wilber

I was in VF 192 as an electricians mate 2nd Class. I have traveled the world and have only met a handful of people as nice as Commander Wilbur.He made a lasting impact on my life in 1968. When he was shot down, I wept. He was an exceptionally good man .

One of the finest men I ever knew. He was my commanding officer in Vf-102. A truly kind and gentle man and a dedicated Naval Aviator

What a life.

Thank you for your service to our country. As a young teenage girl and member of a military family growing up I was given the opportunity to wear a pow/ mia bracelet with your name on the bracelet. I do remember the joy I felt when you were released and returned home to the states. Hope you rest easy at home in the house of the lord our God. Amen.

Watching the John McCain service got me thinking about the POW bracelet I wore for years with the name Capn. Walter Wilber, inscribed in it. I got involved with the POW plight to return our captive troops by selling the bracelets and handing out pamphlets to anybody and everybody as well as sending care packages to the troops using my babysitting money. I wasn't even in high school yet when I did this. I wore my bracelet (never taking it off) until I knew Captain Wilbur was released as a prisoner of war.
I would think about him for years but then hadn't thought about it for a long time, til now. I wish I had (with the internet now) and I would've looked him up and reached out to him. He lived til 2015 and died from the same thing that McCain died from. Pretty ironic.
Anyway, just thought I'd share this with you.

I wore his pow bracelet throughout the war always praying for his safe return. Many prayers then and now

wore his pow bracket throughout the war and long after always hoping he came home. Many prayers then and now.

I also strapped you in you Mark --. seat, may you walk with god, I tried to follow your life from your release until you crossed over the vale, I Love you Skipper. I shall never forget you and Mr Rupenski

I often wondered what had become of my skipper of VF102. I am glad both of us were able to move on with our lives! A final salute sir as I strap you in! Safe flight sir and welcome home. A fine and kind man that made a lasting impression in 1968 on a 21 year old plane captain. I will never forget him. I am sorry this is so late, my condolences to his family

Just a short time in his last few years, did we know each other, but he became a special friend. A special guy with a special family. He will be missed.

although never meeting capt. wilber i feel a connection to him. after his capture i ordered and received a pow bracelet with his name on it to be worn til he returned home which i did. finding out by reading a newspaper article with his picture of his return. i often wondered all these years what became of him now iknow. i still have the newspaper article and bracelet after 47 years. wish i had met him. im proud to have the bracelet with the name of such a great man. rest in peace.

Captain Wilber and I met when he served on the Troy Area School district board and I served as a teacher. I will remember Captain Wilber as a man of grace, truth, honor, integrity and devotion. The world is a better place for his presence and guiding hand. A gentle man, he led by conscience and by example. As a former Navy man myself, I offer my farewell salute and think of our Navy hymn. My sincere condolences to Jeanne and to his family.

My sincerest condolences to the Wilber family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Jeanne and family,
Linda and I were indeed saddened to learn of Captain Wilber's passing.
My relation to Gene was primarily when he was on the Troy Area School Board. Gene consistently asked the good penetrating questions that sometimes caused me to rethink my position. His solid support of our school district and his personal support of me will not be forgotten.
God bless Captain Wilber - and God bless all who will miss him.

I served under Commander Wilbur in VF-102. I want to say, Captain Wilbur was a great Captain! I was a very young Aircraft Electrician in VF-102. When my father unexpectedly died, the Captain was most gracious and we prayed together. I consider him " The Nicest Man, I Ever Met". God Rest his soul for I know he was a good man............ tim allman

Jeanne and family. I want you to know I am praying for you in the loss of Gene.
He served His Saviour and his country so faithfully. May God give you His
comfort as only He can during these days. A Troy High School classmate of
1947. Lorraine (Lewis) Hooser, Lakeland,
FL

I had the privledge of wearing of wearing Captain Wilburs' name on a POW bracelet. I still remember seeing him get off the plane and hearing his name called upon his return. RIP Captain, and thank you for your service

What a beautiful tribute! Mr Wilber will forever remain in my memories for his warm, kind and gentle spirit! A pleaser to have been blessed with the privalage of knowing him! What a beautiful couple the two of you were Mrs Wilber, both inside and out! Our heartfelt love and prayers... God bless and encourage you! Katie Shaylor

My sincerest condolences to all in the Wilber family as Gene has received his "Last Charlie".

Gene was my XO in VF-102 (The Diamondbacks) and I was also his wingman. I really liked Gene because he was different - always a gentleman and soft spoken.

A little known story here.....It was June 8, 1967...He and I were sitting "Ready CAP" on the USS America in the eastern Mediterranean Sea when we were suddenly launched on an unknown mission to intercept hostile aircraft attacking the USS Liberty and were given permission to arm our missiles (never happens on normal Med cruises). We got about 2/3 of the way there (and were full of adrenaline by then)when the ship radioed a Romeo Tango Bravo (return to base). The bogies were Israeli Air Force who "supposedly" thought our ship was an enemy ship and attacked it (despite it was flying an American flag). So Commander Wilber and I were the first Americans called into combat in the "6-day War" between Israel and Egypt.

Peace be unto your hearts and know the Holy Ghost is there to comfort you.
Gary Lee Parks, Captain USN Retired

Jeanne and family,
So sorry to hear of Gene's passing.
Please accept my sincere sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

To all of the Wilber family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I had the privilege of meeting Captain Wilber, when i worked at 'The Giving Tree', at the Arnot Mall, many years ago. I will never forget his kind eyes, and gentle spirit. He was a man of strong faith, and a true American hero. May the loving arms of Jesus, hold you and comfort you, and may His peace, that passes understanding,be with all of you.

R.I.P. Captain Wilber.

Our sincere condolences to Beverly and Harland Evans and to the Wilber Family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. "Thank you Gene" for your service to our country.

MaryJane Weaver & Family
Elmira, NY

thank you Capt. Wilber. to the Wilber Family, I am sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you

To Jeanne, Mark and family-my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have so many pleasant memories of you and your families.

I greatly admired Gene for his strong faith and compassion. To Jeanne and all other family members you have my condolences. God Bless all of you,

Bradford County is blessed to have had someone like Captain Walter Eugene Wilber call our county home. His dedication to his Faith, Family, and his Nation is an example to us all. We are all grateful for Captain Wilber's service to his Nation, Thank You.

Another angle in heaven. I'm Marge Ward Crandle's daughter.

I sadly learn of Gene's passing, and think of the friend I had as a young Naval Officer serving in Fighter Squadron 11 in 1961. Gene not only was my friend, but was my mentor. Stationed in Rota, Spain Gene and I toured Mediterranean locations in our SNB aircraft often delivering the aircraft to Admiral McDonald, Sixth Fleet Commander. Gene possessed those wonderful Christian "gifts of the Spirit" of love, joy, kindness, gentleness, peace, and patience". Truly a great friend I will always cherish. May fair winds and calm seas follow his soul. God bless you too Jeanne.
A Navy friend - Capt. Tom Craddock

I had the privilege of meeting Captain Wilber when he spoke to my Senior class at Southside High School in 1975. He was a true American Hero who lived his life loving God, his Country, and his family. He will be fondly remembered by many.

I am proud to have known you and have had your family as neighbors. Heaven's Navy is a better with you there Captain Gene. God is with you all during your grief,remember all your good times together as a family and God will help you through this difficult time. Thank YOU Captain Walter Eugene Wilber "To everything there is a season."

I met "Uncle Eugene" (I'm Lucille Sheive's husband) only a few times over the years and it was quickly apparent that he was a humble man, honorable and possessing integrity, who kept his priorities in their proper order - his God, his family and his country. Men of his caliber are few and these days very far between. And though, yes, we will miss him for a while, we can be comforted by the promise of that Heavenly reunion one day very soon. See you there "Uncle Eugene."

So many memories of Gene over the years. We pray for the family remaining to be held and uplifted during this time of loss in the Lord's arms. We know that Gene is smiling down on you all and watching out for each and every one of you, just as he has done while living here on earth. Hugs to you all...... the Markell family- Ron, Bridgette, Riah, Amara, Hannah, Ben & Ayla.

"His eye is on the Sparrow", was Gene's father's favorite hymn; "and I know He watches Gene". I'm the grandson of Maude and Ozzie Watkins formerly of Mansfield. Visiting the Wilber Homestead was a favorite special place. The Love of Christ abounded in this home so I know the influence God must have had on this man and his family. I remember the special prayers Gram and Gramp would offer for his safekeeping. Although I don't recall meeting Gene personally as i was only a child, I feel as though I've known him for his faithful works and walks in life. Marie and I send deepest condolences to you, Jeanne, and all family members.

Though we got to know Mr & Mrs Wilber and his son Tom recently, our strange relatioship has started 47 years ago. It is our pleasure to know such an honorable man and a great solider. We still regret that we didn't have chance to meet him in person. Our condolences to the Wilber family. May him rest in peace!

Fly high, Capt. Wilber

To the Wilbur family:
We send our love and prayers from the members of ACTS of which Gene was a member. He was always an inspiration to us all. May you have God's peace during this time.
John & Mary Ellen

We send our love and prayers on behalf of the members of ACTS of which Gene was a vital part. He was such a humble man and brought inspiration to all of us. May God's peace be with all of the family.
John & Mary Ellen Ford

Anchors Aweigh to a true patriot and fellow US Navy vet.

Our condolences to the Wilber family. I have admired the man for several years. He was the kindest most humble individual I have ever met. His military career is one for the history books. My wife and I send our sincerest sympathy. John & Carol Bowman

My Mother, Norma Ellis, and I send our love and prayers to the Wilber Family. The memories you share, will always be with you. May God Bless each and every one of you.

To The Wilber family,

Our hearts grant immortality
to those we love
in memory.

Carol and Larry Kennedy

Just wanted to pass along our sympathies for your loss. While I knew a little about Gene's military history, it was not something that we talked about much as kids. While the family never made a big deal about it, it was a very big deal and we have always been thankful for and respected Gene's service. What I do know well and fondly recall was Gene's smile every time I would show up at the farm when we were in High School (no matter the hour), when we would visit during college breaks and then years after when we would visit as a family. Gene was one of the first adult men that I could readily identify as a Christian man if for no other reason than his humble demeanor. He was also great at asking and answering questions and you could tell that he truly cared about what you were doing professionally and within the body of Christ. We were blessed to have known him.

Vince, Kim, Hannah, Rachel, Micah, and Stephan Yearick

Sorry for your lost he was a great man.

My he rest in peace, he a great man.

Rest Well Captain. My Late brother Jack Baker, of WTTC Radio Towanda spent many hour's praising Genes' service to his country, and his impeccable character.
" Happy Trail's to you Captain Gene.

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Liz and I are very sorry for the loss that you are feeling now. Take care

Bruce, John and the Wilber family, please accept my condolences! Captain Wilber, we salute you, sir! A life well lived!

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I think of your family often. God bless you all. Belinda Chapman Cook

Our deepest Sympathy to your family for your great loss Fly high Captain Wilbur we will never forget your loving kind ways and friendship

DEAR MRS WILBER & FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS AN PRAYERS TO YOU ALL IN THIS TIME OF NEED . I MET MR. WILBER LAST YEAR WENT HE CAME OVER TO OUR HOUSE AN VISTED DONNIE . ALL I HEARD HE WAS A GREAT MAN SO MR. WILBER RIP IN HEAVEN AN YOUR ARE A GREAT MAN AN YOUR A HERO AN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNRTY.

A beautiful life lived for Christ...

Jeannie
, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Daisy and I wish with all our hearts that we could be there with you. Gene will be missed by us but he will forever be in our hearts. Harry and Daisy Scouten

Sorry to learn of Gene's passing. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to your new reality.

Another true American Hero gone .[ GOD SPEED CAPTAIN WILBER]Thoughts and Payers for you and yours .

Our condolences to Jeanne and the Wilber family. An officer, a gentle man, a loving husband and father and a wonderful neighbor and friend, his kindness will not be forgotten.

R.I.P. Capt. Wilber I was a PR1 left in 67. You were the XO at the time. Good Officer and man.

many prayers to the gene wilber family..i have always remembered the story behind his captivity and release..he was someone very easy to be admired..will never forget his courage and that of his family waiting for his return..thoughts and prayers to all of you.

A true American hero.

I was 13 yrs old and lived in Bentley Creek, Pa. when I remember Capt. Wilbur was released. He was a true hero on this earth and now he's a hero in heaven with many of the other military men and women. What an incredible life he lead and to be loved so much by all. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and his whole family and friends.

I knew Grandpa Gene since 2011 when I first time traveled to US, it was a great time with Wilber family in Easter Holiday. I made Chinese food to Gene, Jeanne, Tom and Linda, and they made great Easter Ham that I pretty enjoyed and first time experienced a really American family Easter dinner.
I still can feel Gene's goodbye hug on last winner (2nd Feb, 2015) when I leave from his home go back to China on last visiting.
Rest in peace, Grandpa Gene! Love you!

To the family and friends of Capt. Gene Wilbur:

Capt. Gene Wilbur was a dedicated family man, a genuine hero to those of us who have worn the uniform of the US military, and a great American.

Following his retirement, I became better acquainted with Gene through our mutual love of aviation and our combined military experiences. In spite of Gene's stellar record of accomplishments, he was always a man of great humility and faith.

I recall flying to Dayton, Ohio, with Gene and the late Bradford County Sheriff, Tom Fairchild, to extradite a fugitive back to Pennsylvania for prosecution. Being in the presence of two highly decorated military heroes and former prisoners of war was a true honor.

I am deeply saddened by Gene's passing but am honored to have known him.

My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.

You all are in our prayers. Gene was my flight instructor at Kingsville, Texas where I earned my wings. Two Pennsylvania farm boys with wings. Now Gene has another set and I at 81 will join him again one day.

JOB WELL DONE, God bless

Our sincere condolences to Jeanne and the Wilbur family. Capt. Wilbur was a truly exemplary person and we were privileged and honored to have met you both. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I remembered when Gene was a POW and followed his journey. His service to his country and his GOD made him the HERO he was. My sincere condolences to his entire family

Gene's life was an inspiration to so many people and or hearts are going out to the Lord God in prayer for those of you who are his loved ones for peace and comfort until the day you are reunited in heaven.

I was on The U.S.S. Constellation when they announced that the first plane load of POW's was going to pass by us.I hope they heard the shouts of joy that went up from our flight deck. Rest in Peace Skipper we have the watch





















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Walking into a room where this man and his wife were present, you would find yourself drawn to them. Their faces glow with the presence of Christ. In the few conversations that I have had with them, I would get distracted for it was as if I could see Jesus in their eyes. And their smiles... Words cannot describe how much these two love.

We are grateful that in a short while, we will see Gene again. His life was well lived in Christ and for His glory.

Right now my grief turns to joy when I think about the hearty laughter that is coming from him as he beholds our Savior's face, tours our eternal home - and joins the mighty cloud of witnesses that are cheering the rest of us home. See Hebrews 11, Revelations 4-5

To all the Wilber relatives. You all should be so proud of Gene, he is a hero to all. I was in the Troy class of 1951 and looked up to Gene & Jeanne as upper classmen. I still did for many years after they graduated. Gene was a good role model, a good example for me and others to follow especially as a great military man. He must have been so strong to endure all that he did. I know Christ was his anchor. God bless him and his family. Stay strong,may the PEACE of our Lord sustain you all. Ed & Judie Merritt Troy,Horseheads, now Chattanooga,Tn 423-899-5161

THANKYOU CAPTAIN WILBER and WELCOME HOME...XUSN BLACKSHOE AND BROWN WATER SAILOR...IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY GREAT HONOR TO MEET YOU AND SHAKE YOUR HAND...SIR ; WE HAVE THE WATCH

It was my greatest privilege to meet you a few years back. Some of the most amazing men and women of God are those who suffered the most, yet only you only hear them speak of how blessed they are. Thank you for your service to this country of ours.

Thank you for your service. You were my hero in Vietnam Nam War. Rest In Peace! Prayers and condolences to your family.

Gene was a hero to many but his faith was the best part of him and his family. He was always generous and loving to all. God Bless the Wilber family in their loss of such a great man.

Thank you for your service, Captain. Thanks, also, to his wonderful family. May he rest in peace, and may the family find peace in their memories.

Thank you for your service. You are truly a hero. May you rest in peace with prayers to your family and friends.

Dearest Wilber family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Gene was so special to so many people, including me. Knowing he is at peace with his heavenly father makes your loss bearable. Love to you all.

Our family has lost our hero, Gene has lost his pilot wings but earned his angel wings and he is in very good company up in heaven. Wish I could be there to comfort you as you have me all these years. Much love, Denise Malefyt

Dear Wilbur family;
We are so sorry for your loss. Gene was a true hero and busy with his service of our Country, still being a great husband, father, grandfather, etc. I remember going to your wedding Jeannie. Have memories of Gene's return home after his capture and what thrill to have him safe with his family again. God has seen you through a lot of experiences but he always remained strong. God bless your family with the knowledge that he is in heaven with the Lord without pain or suffering.

To my dear brother's family, this was quite a journey that I shared with you for 81 years. We are so thankful that God made this possible. As the "Little Sister" you looked out for me. To the precious family of Gene, we send our deep love and condolences to all of you. The numbers of 1930-2015 are remarkable, but it's the dash in between those numbers that say it all. He was a remarkable man! Love you all, "Little Sister, Bev", Harland, and family

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Captain Wilber.

His life was exemplary and I admired everything about him.I never met him in person but followed his stories in my hometown newspaper, Star Gazette.

R.I.P. Thank you for your service. One person DOES make a difference.

Dear Jeanne & family, Very sorry for your loss. We'll never forget Mr. Gene, he was a true gentleman. My son Cory and I knew him from the Strawberry Patch Fabric Shop. May your memories comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Dear Jeanne,
So sorry to read of Gene's passing. Our USA is better place because of men like Gene.

Tom & Family,
Very sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. A true Patriot for our county and your family. God bless you all and our prayers our with you.
Craig & Rick Milazzo

To The Wilber Family:
It is with much sadness that I send my condolences to you. I have looked up to you for many years beginning in my early years when I was employed at the Star-Gazette. I felt that I grew to know the family during Mr. Wilber's years in captivity. I read every article and felt I knew all of you. Then over the years I met the Wilber's shopping and they were always so gracious. I have since been blessed to have met some of the extended family and I know he is looking down from the heavens and saying "Yes, I lived my life well". God Bless each and every one of you.

It is with great saddest that I share my condolences with my PA family, but with tremendous JOY knowing my dear Uncle Gene is with our Lord and Savior. It has been 6 years since our father, Richard, left this world but not without spending a very intimate week with his big brother Gene and little sister Beverly. RIP dear, sweet man and thank you for your selfless service to our United States of America and your immediate and extended family.

We would like to let the family know we are very sorry for your loss and you all in our thoughts and prayers.

I wanted to share my condolences with the family. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a kind hearted good person who will truly be missed.