David Charles Kilburn (Dave), 79, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Dave was born January 25, 1945, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Charles Victor Kilburn II and Virginia Frances Clemens Kilburn.
Dave leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Sharon Towles Kilburn, his son, Mark David Kilburn of Key West Florida, their daughters, Amy Kilburn Duffell (Christopher) and Emily Kilburn Powell (Brandon), seven grandchildren, Charles Christopher Duffell (17), Brady Richard Powell (16), Cooper David Powell (16), Samuel James Duffell (15), Ruby Elizabeth Powell (13), William Henry Duffell (12) and Elizabeth Grace Duffell (9), of Harrisburg, NC, and siblings, Karen Kilburn Campbell, Kathy Kilburn Brewer and Thomas Kilburn.
Dave spent his early years in Goshen and Marion Indiana where he completed high school in 1963 and ultimately attended Purdue University. He graduated from Purdue University with an Industrial Engineering Degree in 1971. Dave worked for various companies throughout his sales career in Electronic Manufacturing. Dave and Sharon lived in West Lafayette, Indiana; Raleigh, North Carolina; Marshall, Michigan; Forest Hill, Maryland; Lexington, Kentucky. He ultimately started his own telecommunications company before retiring in 2018 to move closer to his grandchildren in Harrisburg, North Carolina.
Throughout his lifetime, Dave enjoyed many hobbies which included tennis, golf and especially fishing. He also had a love for flying and once held his instrument rating. In his later years his favorite hobby was spending time with his family and grandkids. Above all, the most important part of Dave’s life was his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a personal relationship with him, actively seeking his guidance in prayer. For many years, Dad/Papa could be found reading the bible every morning, praying for his family and others. From this love of God, he served others well. Whether it was driving a van to help inner city youth attend church, or caring for and feeding the homeless population of Lexington, Kentucky. Dave was instrumental in establishing a Room at the Inn program at his local church in Lexington. Dave served the Lord well.
Dave was a devoted husband to his wife Sharon, for 53 years, and loving father to his three children. He taught them strength and determination, loving them through the ups and downs of life. Most importantly, pointing them to Jesus along the way. Dave was very proud of his seven grandchildren and really enjoyed the last 17 years being Papa.
The memorial service in celebration of David’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. on April 20th, officiated by Reverend Wally Rendel.
Tates Creek Immanuel Baptist Church
3100 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502
A light luncheon will take place following the service at the church with friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Room at the Inn, Lexington, Kentucky (ritilex.org)
Hartsell Funeral Home of Harriburg served the Kilburn family.