Leland D. Wilbur

Leland D. “Lee” Wilbur, 84, of Elkhart, died at 11:40 am March 7, 2010 at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born June 4, 1925 in Elkhart to Ellsworth “Jim” and Gertrude (Eash) Wilbur and married Patricia K. Goddard on Oct. 27, 1951 in Hamburg, NY. She survives with a sister, Marilyn Williams of Elkhart and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Dean and a sister, Carolyn Murphy Reed preceded in death.

Mr. Wilbur graduated from Elkhart High School in 1943 and attended Purdue Univ. for 2 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He owned & operated Oakland Lanes Bowling Center for 19 years and previously had worked for Guyco Mfg. and Studebaker Corp. He was a volunteer fireman for Cleveland Twsp., and was a life member of Moose Lodge, Elkhart, American Legion #143, Elks Lodge #250, VFW #1167, DAV #19 and F.O.E. Lodge #395. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Visitation is from 4-8 pm Wednesday and an hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at 11 am at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart. Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson will officiate.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.