Wilbur Ruffcorn

LORAINE, Ill. -- Wilbur James Ruffcorn, 81, of Loraine, died Tuesday (July 9, 2013) in his home. He fought a tough battle with cancer, slowing down only days prior to his passing.

He was born Dec. 6, 1931, near West Point, a son of the late Lee and Mabel Elston Ruffcorn. He married Opal Owrey on March 8, 1953. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Opal survives of Loraine.

Wilbur served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong farmer, first near Carthage, then near Loraine, where they lived for 52 years. Wilbur and Opal were members of a local saddle club for years as well as the Loraine Community Club.

Wilbur was a member of Bear Creek American Legion in Mendon, where he had been a past commander. He was a sales representative for Archer Oil Products and also operated an ATV park on his farm for several years.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Darryl (Connie) Ruffcorn, of Loraine; grandchildren, Eric Ruffcorn of Loraine, Kendall (Stephanie) Ruffcorn of Loraine, Paul (Molly) Bowen of North Little Rock, Ark., and Chase Bowen of Conway, Ark.; one stepgrandchild, Lowell Bowen, of Shreveport, La.; great-grandchildren, Sylex, Madison and Audrey Ruffcorn of Loraine, Dexter Ruffcorn of Quincy, and Drake, Bailea and Brayden Bowen and Annabella and Elise Bowen of Arkansas; one stepgreat-grandchild, Austin Bowen; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, L. Junior Ruffcorn, and a daughter, Rhonda Bowen.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Monday in the Hunter Funeral Home, Mendon. The family has requested casual attire for the services. Interment will be in New Loraine Cemetery, Loraine, with military honors by the Bear Creek American Legion.

VISITATION: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, Bear Creek American Legion.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hunter Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.hunterfh.com.

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