Brian Henry Wilber

1950 - 2019

On February 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, Brian Henry Wilber, 68 of Bronson went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.
Brian was born July 17, 1950 to Garth and June (Crabill) Wilber in Coldwater. Graduating from Bronson High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan in 1972. He continued his education throughout life, earning two Master's Degrees, one in Aeronautical Engineering and one in Family Counseling. Brian proudly served our country as a career serviceman in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in many locations throughout the world. During his first assignment in Thailand, he participated in the evacuation of Saigon.
He became an accomplished pilot flying the T-37 and T38 trainer, the A-7, and the O-2 forward controlled aircraft. He was among the first 10 pilots to fly the F-117A Stealth Fighter for a four year tour of duty, as a member of the top secret 4450th Tactical Group. Eventually attaining the rank of Colonel, he retired in 1999 after 26 years of service. He worked as a family counselor before returning to Bronson to marry Linda McDonald on February 14, 2004. He also worked at his family business, the White Star Auction and was eventually inducted into the Bronson Hall of Fame.
Brian was a man of strong faith and many interests. He enjoyed the outdoors, cutting wood, gardening and raising cattle. He liked tinkering and building things using his engineering background both at home and at the White Star. Brian will be remembered as a true American patriot, courageous, strong, and dedicated. He will be missed by many.
Brian is survived by his wife of 15 years, Linda Wilber of Bronson; his mother June Wilber of Bronson; his children and step-children Naomi Alstrup and Dawn (Joe) Nathan all of Washington, Jared (Yumeho) Wilber of Japan, Mandy (Alan) Bolter of Grand Rapids and Corey (Sarah) Collins of Coldwater, his siblings Brent (Ginny) Wilber of Burr Oak, G. Burdette (Susan) Wilber of St.
Charles, MO, Cathy Wilber-Welch of Coldwater, Becky (Dan Vorce) Wilber-Myers of Coldwater, and Elizabeth "Buffy" (Dan) Wilber-Reck of Beverly Hills, MI; his grandchildren Veronica Davis, Joseph Nathan, Ayla Alstrup, Ava Wilber, Ryleigh Collins, Carter Collins, Reagan Collins, Hayden Bolter and Hudson Bolter; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Garth Wilber; his son Nathaniel Wilber; and his sister Dawn Marie Wilber.
Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Thursday, March 7th at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, March 8th at Pleasant Hill Missionary Church with Pastor Gregg Cole officiating and Military Honors being presented by Coldwater American Legion Post #52.
Due to his passion for missionary work, memorials may be directed to Linda Wilber for the Apostolic Academy & Orphanage in Liberia. www.dutcherfh.com.