Dr. Paul Frank Wilbur

Dr. Paul Frank Wilbur, 87, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Paul was born on March 1, 1936, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Orval and Alma Edra Frazier Wilbur. He graduated from Blackwell High School, Blackwell, Oklahoma, in 1954 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Architectural Design from Oklahoma State University in 1959. He married Joan Meade on June 2, 1957 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Paul started his career as an apprentice architect at Stowers and Boyce Architects in Little Rock and Rogers, Arkansas. In 1963, he became a partner at Wilbur and Butcher, Architects until he enrolled in medical school in 1972. Upon receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, Dr. Wilbur worked in Little Rock for a short time before moving to Mountain Home in 1977. He began his general practice of medicine at Kerr Medical Clinic, where he served his community with expert care for 22 years before his retirement in 1999. Dr. Wilbur was recognized by his peers for his outstanding achievements and was inducted into the UAMS Hall of Fame in 2013. Dr. Wilbur continued his dedicated service as a volunteer and Medical Director at the Mountain Home Christian Clinic. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home and had many roles in the church, including; Sunday school teacher, Member of Trustees, Chairman of the Administrative Board, and Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and the Building Committee. Dr. Wilbur was a part of many mission trips to Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Russia. He enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Joan, and spent time in countries all over the world. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping and canoeing, and studying history.

Paul is survived by his sons, Mark (Jeanine) Wilbur of Paragould, AR, and Dr. Perry Wilbur of Springdale, AR; daughter, Beth Wilbur of Mountain Home, AR; sister, Carolee Briggs of Blackwell, OK; grandchildren, Lauren (Parsa) Kamali, Nicholas (Caitlin Roberts)Wilbur, Spencer Wilbur; step-grandchildren, Alexander Luelf, and Benjamin (Michaela) Luelf; great-granddaughter, Wendy Ona Wilbur; and step-great-grandson, Nathaniel Luelf; nephews, Barry (Shari) Briggs, Paul (Elaine) Briggs, Greg (Tina) Briggs, and Wiley (Ellen) Mead; 6 great nephews; and 2 great nieces.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joan Wilbur; his parents; brother, Daniel Wilbur; and brother-in-law, Rowland Briggs.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Mountain Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm with Reverend Daniel Thueson officiating. A Graveside Service will be 11:00 am, Friday, December 22, 2023 at Blackwell Cemetery in Blackwell, Oklahoma, with Pastor Joshua Briggs officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Paul's name to the Mountain Home Christian Clinic, 421 W Wade Ave, Mountain Home, AR, 72653.

Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home, AR. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .