John Ray Bilson

John’s life began on September 26, 1956 in Eureka, KS; the son of Paul H. and Florence I. (Mackey) Bilson. John proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Stacey Rice on March 13, 1982. John worked hard for his family and was the owner and operator of Bilson & Sons Construction . He was an avid gardener, caring for anything green and flowering. John had a passion for the outdoors and being with nature. He was a selfless and giving person always putting others first even at his own expense. John was a master craftsman at heart and imparted his knowledge to many throughout the years, mentoring many on their way to becoming skilled in their trade. John knew that food was the heart and soul of any gathering and he loved to cook for his family. He enjoyed putting on large meals for his family at any holiday gathering or family event, specializing in making desserts. His greatest joy was his family, which includes his wife, Stacey of Wichita; children April (Chatt) Rhodes of Monroe, WA, Andrea Luciano of Augusta, Patrick (Brittany) Luciano of Heber City, UT, Jeremy (Lindsey) Bilson of Leon, KS, Jessica Bilson of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Alex, Nick, Ben, Katie, Lauren, Ayden, Vance, Davis; siblings Ann, Barbara, Dennis, Paulette, Elwyn, Janice Norman as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. John passed away on April 4, 2024 in Newkirk, OK. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Judy, Margie, Eugene, Neil, Donnie, Dwight, Leland and Neal. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 11am at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home in El Dorado. John will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the ALS Foundation. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

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