Harold Wilburn

1932 - 2021

Harold Everett Wilburn
May 11, 1932 - February 15, 2021
Modesto, California - Harold Everett Wilburn – May 11, 1932 – February 15, 2021, born in Lodi, California to George Dow and Gertrude Imo Wilburn. He was the youngest of six children. He attended Tokay High School after which he joined the Navy, perfecting his welding talent.
After four years in the Navy, he began working at Tri Valley Growers, doing electrical and welding work. His older brother Clarence introduced him to Evelyn Xavier. It was the classic "love at first sight". Six months later they were married and had settled in Modesto. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Dad worked for Del Monte, then Thiel Steel, working as a Fabricator then becoming Foreman, until his retirement at the age of 72. Dad had a very strong Catholic faith and he and Mom were active members of Our Lady of Fatima church and school. While we attended Central Catholic High School, Dad again, became an avid supporter and was the "go to" guy for any welding and fabricating, which included helping to make the Central's NFL style goal posts, the first set in Modesto, then making a second set for Modesto Junior College. He attended all the football games as a member of the infamous CCHS Boosters. He and Mom prepared and cooked beans to be sold in concessions for every home football game. Dad was part of a caravan of motor homes, with football players in each, to a game in Shingle Springs. His CB name was "Raider One". Dad loved camping and fishing at his favorite place, Griswold Creek. He taught us all how to fish, hiking through meadows to find the right spot. He and Mom enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. He loved tinkering around the house and fixed everything himself. He coached Steve and Scott's baseball teams and enjoyed watching the San Francisco Giants. Dad was a kind, patient, generous and loving man. He never declined when asked to help with any project, whether it was for the schools or if any of his children or grandchildren needed help. He taught us to appreciate all that we had and could achieve. He and Mom always made time to attend his grandchildren and great grandchildren's numerous sporting events, as well as major life events. He was famous for his speeches at family occasions and imparted words of wisdom. Never did he say "goodbye", it was always "So long, do your best"
Dad is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Evelyn. Their four children, Steve (Jan), Julie (Rick), Joan (Eric) and Scott (Karen). He had 16 grandchildren: Steven, Vanessa (Ryan), Alisha, Jillian, Katy (Chris), Derek (Meredith), Stacey, Nathan (Kristen), Caroline, Annie (Marcos), Kristen, Sean, Tim (Tina), Mike, Kalie and Karissa. He had 10 great grandchildren: Colby, Brie, Graicy , Everly, Finley, Meryn, Zoe, Harold, Zelda and Wyatt and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers and sisters. Due to Covid, a funeral service will be held at a later date.