John Eldon Hilburn passed away at Duncan Regional Hospital on February 24, 2025, at 11:24 A.M., at the age of 87. He was born to Hubert Francis Hilburn and Freda Mae Alexander in Electra, TX and the family moved to Duncan in 1942.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 7, at 2:30 P.M. in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating.

John grew up in Duncan where he attended school and then graduated from Duncan High School in 1955. He met the love of his life, Margaret Ann Rouse, at Calvary Baptist Church and they were married in Wichita Falls, TX on May 2, 1959. John and Margaret were blessed with two children, Johna Howell and Daron Hilburn.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and was on active duty from 3-20-1956 to 1-19-1958 and then served in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 3-18-1962. He served on the USN Destroyer, USS Bristol DD857. They were at sea a great deal of time and saw 8 or more foreign ports and several U.S. ports.

John retired as a Captain of the Duncan Police Department in April 1996, after 29 years. He was quite the prankster at the police department and was always up for a good laugh.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, coin collecting, and guns. He had a fantastic memory and shared stories with family often. John was always the prankster. He was Papa to his grandkids and great-grandkids and loved them dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents; beautiful wife, Margaret on November 22, 2018; sister, Janice Lavel Hilburn Gaddie and husband Don; and brother, Hugh Caros Hilburn.

He is survived by his children: Johna Howell and husband Keith; Daron Hilburn and wife Rosa; grandchildren: Jared Kinch Harris and wife Carly, Kolby Jae Harris and wife Jessica, Brandon Howell and wife Susan, Andrew Howell and wife Jessica, and Hunter Howell; great-grandchildren: Gavin Harris, Brynn Harris, Ryder Harris, Madison Harris, Kyndall Howell, and Kamryn Howell. He is also survived by many cousins whom he loved dearly.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.