Craig Wilburn

Ronald Craig Wilburn was born June 21, 1951 in Houston, Texas to parents Edwin and Geraldine Wilburn. Craig passed away at the age of 65 on March 2, 2017 due to complications of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. He spent his high school years in Pearland, Texas playing sports, fishing and surfing. At the age of sixteen, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and developed a faith in God that would enrich and sustain him throughout his life. Craig graduated from Southwest Texas University in 1973. This is where he met his wife, Jo Lynn. They were married in June of 1974 and shared 42 blessed years together.
In 1977 they moved to Plano, Texas and had the joy of bringing three children into their lives while there. In 1986, the Wilburn family built a house in Allen, Texas where they have resided for 30 years. It has been the setting for pool parties, backyard baseball games, front street roller hockey and countless joyful moments both public and private.

Regarding work, Craig was honest, caring and successful. He exercised integrity, business sense, and good humor to build a career in the life insurance business. He began as an agent for Prudential, earning his CLU and then brokering through his own business. He serviced clients, old and new, who trusted and respected him. Many of them becoming long-term good friends. His measure of success was never in the material, but in the health, well-being and happiness of his family and friends. By that measure he was immensely wealthy.

Craig enjoyed few things more than the challenge and camaraderie of the golf course. He was a member and friendly face at Hurricane Creek Country Club for over three decades. He also enjoyed fishing with his two grandsons, kayaking, hiking and the view of the mountains from their cabin in Colorado. He was closely involved at Chase Oaks Church and with his life group; he found great solace and meaning in this fellowship. When his children entered adulthood, he refused to let his fathering skills go to waste, and volunteered as a mentor to a young boy in Allen ISD through the church. Like a true Texan, Craig loved vanilla Blue Bell Ice Cream and Shiner Bock beer.

Craig led a good and happy life. As a father, brother, husband, friend and Christ follower, he did everything he was supposed to do. He is now at peace and with a sound mind in the presence of his Lord. And the love he brought into this world resonates stronger than ever in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Jo Lynn and his three children. Daughter Lindsay Brown (Ryan) of Ft. Collins, Colorado; sons Jake Wilburn (Chelsea Dowell) of Brooklyn, New York and Nathan Wilburn of Allen, Texas as well as two precious and adored grandsons, Collin (age 8) and Dawson (age 6) Brown of Ft. Collins, Colorado. Craig is also survived by sister-in-law Nancy (Jack) Douglas of Ft. Worth Texas; brother-in-law Rob (Sharon) Snyder of Moscow, Idaho; sisters Mallory Prigmore and Sharon Beard of Dayton, Texas and nephews Jackson (Katey) and Spencer Douglas of Ft. Worth, Texas and Justin (Christie) Prigmore and Shawn and Clint all from the Houston, Texas area.

A memorial service to celebrate Craig's life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Chase Oaks Church, 201 Legacy Dr., Plano, Texas.

If it is your wish, memorial donations can be made in Craig's name to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org, 1-800-272-3900) or Chase Oaks Church (address above).