Robert Denson Hilbun Sr.

Robert “Denson” Hilbun, Sr. went to be with the Lord on the evening of October 21, 2015, at the age of 86, surrounded by family and friends at what he lovingly called his “Old house”. He was a lifetime resident of the Centerville community. He was born on April 3, 1929, to the late Hollis Hilbun and Lela Powell Hilbun. Mr. Hilbun was a man of faith. He attended several area churches including Big Creek where he was an ordained deacon. He returned to his home church, Centerville Baptist Church, after the passing of his wife, the late Marianne Warren Hilbun. He instilled the value of faith, family, and work ethic to his children. He enjoyed working around the farm, especially driving his tractor and Gator and tending to his cows. Most of all, he enjoyed fellowship with his family and friends telling stories about all of the things he and his sister, Sara Alice Hilbun Wade, did while growing up in the Centerville community. He enjoyed being around his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him Pa “D”. He even skyped with one of his youngest great-grandchildren. Denson attended Jones County Junior College. After graduating, he served a brief time in the U. S. Army. He continued his education at Mississippi State University majoring in Agriculture Education. After college, Denson worked for Masonite. Upon his retirement from Masonite, he took up a second career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He retired again in 1994, to spend time with his family. He is survived by his children, Linda Hilbun Williams (Larry), Robert “Bobby” Denson Hilbun, Jr. (Beth), David Warren Hilbun, James “Jimmy” Hollis Hilbun (Jill), and Jan Hilbun Lowe (Shannon); grandchildren; Walt Williams (Farris), Quae Hilbun Myrick, Meagon Hilbun Blackledge, Lacey White (Chris), Rustin Anderson, Trace Hilbun, Kellie Hilbun, and Cade Hilbun, and Kalea Lunsford, Marianna Lunsford, and Alyse Lunsford; great-grandchildren are Raegan Alice Williams, Jordan Blackledge, Layla Blackledge, Ethan Hilbun, Lexie Myrick, Molli Beth White, and Lily Kate White; one sister, Sara Alice Wade; one brother-in-law, Adrian Warren. Bro. Jimmy Hood and Bro. Joel “Perky” Hilbun will officiate. Pallbearers will be Chris White, Jordan Blackledge, Larry Williams, Shannon Lowe, Trace Hilbun, and Walt Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Cade Hilbun, Ethan Hilbun, Clarence Wade, Glenn Wade, Robert Hilbun, and deacons of Centerville Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Visitation will be Friday, October 23, at Centerville Baptist Church, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service and burial will be on Saturday, October 24, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation from 2-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Centerville Baptist Church, 995 Centerville Road, Soso, MS 39480, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ stjude.org.

Robert Denson Hilbun Sr.

April 3, 1929 - October 21, 2015