Paul Steven Wilbur

Born on January 11, 1947 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Paul Steven "Steve" Wilbur was the only child of Paul Eugene Wilbur and Dorothy Lucille Compton. They soon moved to Golden, Colorado and owned a small diner for a few years. Following better employment opportunities, the Wilburs moved to Arizona in 1958 where Steve attended McKemy Middle School. Later, Steve graduated from Tempe High School in 1964 and married Sharon, the middle of three Harris sisters.

Steve played trumpet in college and graduated Arizona State University beginning his lifelong career in education in 1968 by teaching at Gililland Junior High for 7th, and later, 8th grade. He then transitioned to Arredondo Elementary where he taught 5th, 1st, 3rd, and 6th grades. He captured the hearts and souls of hundreds of children through his commitment to learning and having fun. He taught Kazoo to his classes and was a vivid story teller (with voices), a playful puppeteer, an educated historian, a caring playground guardian, and so much more, always safely and masterfully cultivating the growth of young minds. At the annual Halloween carnival, he transformed into a loud mouth clown egging the children to wait in line and take their best shot by throwing wet sponges at his face for a carnival prize. His teaching partner, Doug Honaker, became his lifelong best friend, as the jovial pair achieved legendary status with good natured humor, creative puns, and learning techniques that made their students giggle and grow, turning into responsible, respectful, and confident young residents of Tempe. One particular year, Steve (playing Aunt Maude) and Doug (playing Gerald) participated live with the famous Wallace and Ladmo to the utter delight of their entire school. Simply epic!

Steve advanced to Assistant Principal at Gililland Junior High. There, he became skillful at being firm and fair when correcting students, and sometimes even when needing to correct their parents! He continued his formal education earning his Master's degree from ASU. He really hit the sweet spot of his skills when he was promoted and served as the Principal at Bustoz Elementary. He would later also serve as the Principal at Wood Elementary, Getz Elementary, and Broadmor Elementary winning the hearts of generations of children, parents, and fellow teachers in the Tempe Elementary School District. He had the responsibility and opportunity to lead and inspire thousands-- and he did.



Upon retiring, he decided to continue in education as an associate professor at Arizona State University, as well as Ottawa University, by working with college students studying elementary education. He would supervise 40+ college students at a time driving to various schools and observing them work with children in classrooms giving them feedback and wisdom he gained through his 30+ year career to make them better teachers to their students.

Steve also was active in the non-profit TD#3 Friends Helping Friends organization, for over 20 years, helping provide financial assistance to fellow teachers and employees of the Tempe Elementary School District facing catastrophic medical bills.

Steve did all of this while raising his four boys, Scott, Skip, Stan, and Stu. He led the family in cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood, and building a cabin in Forest Lakes during the summer. After a long day of work and when dinner and chores were done, he would entertain the family and forest animals by playing his harmonica or banjo by the campfire. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his family throughout the majestic pine forests along the Mogollon Rim. He especially enjoyed taking long road trips with his truck and travel trailer to all 49 states across America. And yes, he did drive the family over 9,000 miles to Alaska one summer. With no bridge built yet, he decided to fly his family to Hawaii to officially complete the 50 States list. These adventures so inspired his son Stu, that Stu also took his wife and twin daughters to all 50 states with Steve leading the way a second time.

Steve was deeply saddened at the passing of his two oldest boys, Paul Scott at 46, and Skip Allen at 51, but was content in his later years knowing that he lived a full and happy life positively impacting his four boys and thousands of young student lives in Tempe.

Steve passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 at 78 years old. Rest in peace, dad. Proudly and gratefully, sons Stan and Stu Wilbur.

A Celebration of Life for family, friends, teachers, and former students was held at Garcia's Mexican Restaurants on April 26, 2025.

Donations may be made to TD#3 Friends Helping Friends, c/o Landings Credit Union, 2800 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282. Donations will help continue Steve Wilbur's legacy of supporting teachers and education.