Obituary of Lavell Bilby

Lavell Gilbert Bilby, born September 11, 1926, in Bowden, Oklahoma, transitioned peacefully from this life on Monday, October 7, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Effie Chloe Fowler Bilby; his brother, Karel Bilby; his sister, Lorene Dillman and her husband Ray Dillman. Lavell served in the Army Air Corp during WWII and touched many lives during his extensive career as a master carpenter, home builder and realtor. He will be long and lovingly remembered for his sharp memory, intellectual curiosity, quick wit, love of history and story-telling, knowledge of agriculture and gardening, and his close relationship to nature, his unwavering, deep devotion to family and God. Lavell's long and productive life will serve as a clear example of selflessness, generosity, love and concern for others for his family to follow as they all live the rest of their lives grateful to have him always in their hearts. Lavell is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Zelma Dean Watson Bilby of the home; daughter, Barbara Madden and husband Terry Madden of Norman; son, Darrell Bilby of Sapulpa; son, David Bilby and Bonnie Humayan of Sapulpa; former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bilby of Sapulpa. His grandchildren include Jennifer Kelsey and husband John Kelsey of Norman; Sarah Champlin and husband Vernon Champlin of Colorado Springs; Ginger Ferguson and husband Brad Ferguson of Sand Springs; Aaron Madden and wife Cassandra Madden of Tulsa; Jared Bilby and wife Laura Bilby of Sapulpa. His great grandchildren include Josiah Kelsey, Samuel Champlin, Kathryn Champlin, Kiley Jo Bilby, Alassandra Madden; His nieces and nephews include Aubry Lee Bilby and wife Lucille Bilby; Donna Dillman; Sandy Groves and husband Jimmy Groves; Gerald Wayne Bilby and wife Rita Bilby; Terry Bilby and Sue Davis. Lavell had a strong faith in God and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in 1959. His family forever appreciates the health care professionals who helped maintain his quality of life and especially holds in the highest regard the staff at Saint John's in Tulsa who tenderly cared for him during his final days and helped hand him over safely into the arms of God.