Donald Ray Wilburn

Donald Ray Wilburn, known to many as Pastor Don Wilburn, was born on January 10, 1943, in Albany, California, to Norman H. Wilburn and Florence Adams Wilburn. He went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2025.

Don graduated from Wynona High School in 1961 as salutatorian. He continued his education at Southwestern Assemblies of God Bible College, graduating in 1966, and later furthered his studies in education at Panhandle State A&M. In December of 1965, he married Janice Beck Wilburn, and together they raised two daughters until her passing in 1995. Later, he was blessed with a second marriage to Joyce Christy in December 2005.

For many years, Don pastored and taught school in East Tennessee before answering the call to full-time ministry. His pastoring journey took him to congregations in Jefferson City, Tazewell, and Knoxville, Tennessee, before returning home to Stroud, Oklahoma in 1982. He retired from full-time ministry in December 2005, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and steadfast faith.

In his free time, Don cherished simple joys: a good day fishing, a round of golf, and time spent in the presence of those he loved. He was a hands-on dad and Grandad, always ready for a long conversation, a good joke, or a competitive game of Mexican Train, cribbage or dominos. Known as one of the kindest men you could ever meet, he lived his life with patience, humor, and a servant’s heart. At Stroud First Assembly, he especially enjoyed helping with the fried pies and turkey dinners—and was widely known for his beloved angel food cake topped with cherries.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce Wilburn; daughters Noelle Sill and husband Jimmy, and Carrie Sheley and husband Wes; and his cherished grandchildren Heather Martin and husband Ryan, Jonathan Sill, Nicolas Sheley and wife Laura, and Jaelyn Sheley. He was excited to welcome his first great-grandchild, soon to arrive. Don is also survived by his brother Bill Wilburn and wife Fern; sisters Norma Dutton, Linda Eshnaur and husband Van, and Cindy Ortega and husband Virgil. He leaves behind a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who became family along his life’s journey.

Pastor Don Wilburn lived a life marked by love, gentleness, humor, and unwavering faith. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy cherished forever.