Kenneth D. Bilger

Kenneth D. Bilger, 76, of Columbus, Miss., passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle in Columbus, Miss.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Memorial Funeral Home, with Minister Archie Taftlinger, and Minister Larry Ferguson officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Columbus, Miss. Mr. Bilger was born on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1932, in Ashland, Ohio to the late Robert O. and Edith Kyser Bilger. He was a veteran and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He retired from civil service at Columbus Air Force Base, where he was a jet engine mechanic for 47 years. After retirement, he continued in the same work for Dynacorp for two years. He was an elder and member of First Christian Church. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Gloria Hupp.He is survived by his wife of 54 1/2 years, Gretchen E. Bilger of Columbus; sons, Steve Bilger (Sandra) of Valdosta, Ga., and Tim Bilger (Debbie) of Caledonia, Miss.; brothers, Glenn Bilger( Barb) of Loudenville, Ohio and Ronald Bilger (Jan) of Ashland, Ohio. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Dale Bilger, Valdosta, Ga., Erin Holloway (Michael), Booneville, Miss., Emily and Gracie Bilger, Caledonia , Miss.; and one great-grandchild, Amya Bilger, Valdosta, Ga.                                Memorials can be made to First Christian Church, 815 N. McCrary Road, Columbus, MS, 39702 — Memorial Funeral Home, Columbus, Miss.