John D. Milbourn

John DeWitt Milbourn, Pine Bluff, member of the greatest generation, died Jan. 6, 2011, at the age of 88, in Little Rock. John was born in Estancia, N.M., on Aug. 29, 1922, oldest son of Myrl and S. D. Milbourn. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marjorie Milbourn. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Leona McCully Milbourn, and his children, Nancy Milbourn and Mary (Bill) Steele of Little Rock and Craig (Ruth Anne) Milbourn of Hot Springs. John is also survived by his grandchildren, CWO 4 Matthew (Paula) Steele, Major Brian (Kerum) Steele, John Steele, Lucas Milbourn and Emily Milbourn, Scott (Meredith) Terry, Jessica and Ashley Terry. Two siblings also survive: Lois Stein of Anaheim Hills, Calif., and Rex (Velma) Milbourn of El Dorado, Kan. Always a man who delighted in being surrounded by family, John is also survived by five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John loved baseball. He and his brother, Rex, played for the El Dorado Oilers and while stationed at the Naval Air Gunnery School during World War II, played for their team. John was also an excellent builder and woodworker, whether of houses, cabinetry or furniture. He enjoyed art and was gratified to have two of his wooden assemblages accepted into the 1972 and 1973 Delta Art Exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center. John spent dozens of years researching his family's genealogy, traveling with Leona to dusty courthouses and overgrown cemeteries collecting data for his two books. John and Leona were active members of the Wesley Sunday School Class at Lakeside United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may go to their church at 1500 Olive St., Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601. Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 10, from 5-7 p.m., at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Home, 1621 Cherry, Pine Bluff. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. at Lakeside with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Jim Brooks, former minister, will preside over the service, to be assisted by Rev. Fred Arnold. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.