Rex Kilburn

Rex Kilburn, of Utica, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 12, 2024, at the age of 90. Rex Kilburn was born in Frew, Kentucky on November 24, 1933 to William and Nell Kilburn. He was the fifth of nine siblings. He worked tirelessly from a young age to support the family farm in rural Kentucky and moved to Detroit at the age of 17 to find work. Overcoming many challenges to support himself and send money home to his widowed mother, he worked many odd jobs in the Detroit area. He proudly served his country for eight years in the US Army, two years active duty and six years reserves. Rex met Julie at the Utica Big Boy. He was a security guard and she a waitress. They married on May 24, 1969, in Shelby Township, Michigan, and had five children. He established and operated Rex Heating & Air Conditioning for 50 years. Over the years, the family grew to include 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In his 60s, he started experiencing monumental medical challenges. He conquered each one and often against all odds. God knew how much we loved and wanted him in our lives, so much so, that He blessed us many times over with the "extra" years. He is a living, testament to God's, endless forgiveness, grace, and love when we need it most. Rex is the cherished husband of Julie Rose Kilburn; the loving father of Donna Marie, Jared Kilburn, Janel (Tony) Fiantaco, Jenna (Darrin) Brady, Jolene (Martin) Ruthenberg, and John (Vera) Kilburn; and the adored grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Rex is preceded in death by his parents, William and Nell; and his siblings, William Jr., Pat, Ebb, Marie, Annette, Betty, Joe, and Bonnie. Rex's family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, January 15, 2024 and Tuesday, January 16 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks East of Van Dyke), Utica. A funeral mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 44633 Utica Road, Utica, on Wednesday, January 17, instate beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of his mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Please leave a tribute or share a memory of Rex at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Rex Kilburn

November 24, 1933 - January 12, 2024