Kenneth L. Walburn, age 87, a life long resident of Bloomsburg and most recently a resident of Fritzingertown Senior Living Center in Drums, died on Sunday, December 26, 2010.
Kenneth was born on Wednesday, March 7, 1923 in Tamaqua, a son of the late Clarence J. and Lillian E. Ziegler Walburn. He was a member of the 1941 Graduating Class of the former Scott High School. He served during World War II in the United States Army with the 164th Field Artillery Battalion in Philippines. During his time of service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct, World War II Victory, and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars and Bronze Arrowhead. Following his discharge from the Armed Services, he was employed by AC & F in Berwick. For 22 years, he was employed at Sears Roebuck & Co. as a Manager of the Plumbing and Heating Department. Most recently, he was employed by Lutz Agency, and was a Realtor throughout the Susquehanna Valley until his retirement in 1993.
He was a member of the Bloomsburg Elks BPOE #436 and served as past Exalted Ruler. He was also a member of the Bloomsburg American Legion, Post #273. He was a member of the First Reformed United Church of Christ in Berwick.
Kenneth was preceded in death by a son: Richard Walburn in August of 1979; three sisters: Mildred Waters, Dorothy Strausser and Beatrice Longenberger; and three brothers: Russell, Wilmot and Leon Walburn.
Surviving is his beloved wife 37 years, Mary Hampton Walburn, a daughter: Donna Ripa and her husband, Jacob, of Hazleton; a step-daughter: MaryAnn Bierly and her husband, David, of Elysburg; a son: Edward Walburn of Hazleton; five grandchildren: Domenico Ripa, Bree Pohida, Kirstin, Shannon and Brandy Walburn; two step-grandchildren: Aaron and Jessica Bierly; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 11 a.m. from the First Reformed United Church of Christ, 301 W. 2nd Street in Berwick, with Rev. Rebecca Broyan, officiating. Friends will be received at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Graveside Services will be held in All Saints Cemetery in Elysburg. A combined VFW/American Legion group will provide military honors. The Walburn family is being assisted by the Allen Funeral Home , 745 Market at Eighth St. in Bloomsburg. For those wishing, memorial contributions are suggested to: Bloomsburg Elks BPOE #436, 1223 Old Berwick Road in Bloomsburg or the First Reformed United Church of Christ in Berwick.