DELBERT RAY WILBURN
September 23, 1934 to January 25, 2026
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Delbert's Obituary

Delbert Ray Wilburn was born in Ardmore, OK on September 23, 1934 to William Leroy Wilburn and Vesta Beatrice Johnson Wilburn. He was the youngest of 5 boys.

Nyda Carolyn Harkins was born in Oklahoma City, OK on August 5, 1937 to Glen C Harkins and Helen Kathryn Kirkpatrick Harkins. She was the younger of 2 girls.

Del and Carolyn became high school sweethearts and both graduated from Classen High School. Del was active playing the drums in the band while Carolyn enjoyed playing the piano. They married in March 1954. They were blessed with sons William (Bill) Glen and John Mark and daughter Kathryn Marie.

Del worked as a sales rep and food broker while Carolyn was busy with 3 children in the house. In 1966 Del and Carolyn started a silk screen printing business as a hobby. It soon turned into full time jobs with DEL’s Lettering which late became DEL’s Printed Sportswear. Del retired from the successful business in 2013.

Del and Carolyn attended First Christian Church, OKC. Carolyn was a youth sponsor for several years. Del became Scoutmaster of Troop 4 at First Christian Church for 7 years. He took the Woodbadge Course and then became a teacher for the course. After stepping down from Scoutmaster, he held the position of Assistant District Commissioner and other positions with the Dan Beard District retiring from scouting in 2008. Del received the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award recognizing his service to scouting.

Del and Carolyn left First Christian Church to become charter members of New Covenant Christian Church in 1978. Being a new church, they held many positions through the years.

Carolyn volunteered for 27 years at Deaconess Hospital She enjoyed working on the maternity floor helping young mothers. She was delighted to serve as a volunteer alongside her mother. Del volunteered for several years at Deaconess Hospital directing patients and visitors to their designated location.

Carolyn was a good seamstress. She made a lot of her own clothes and most of her daughters’ clothes while she was young. She enjoyed knitting and needlepoint. She was very creative and loved to wallpaper. The kitchen, bedroom and bathroom were always changing.

Del was a 32^nd Degree Mason and a member of Siloam #276 Masonic Lodge. He spent many years on the stage crew at the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie.

Del loved to fish and was a member for several years of the Prairie Fly Fishing Club.

Del continued his musical abilities playing percussion in the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band for several years along with his daughter Kathy Rattan, and grandson Robbie Rattan. When he could no longer play, he dearly missed the band.

Del and Carolyn spent most summers with family in the cool mountain air of Red River, NM. They enjoyed fishing, hiking and relaxing away from the busy t-shirt printing business. They enjoyed square dancing for many years with good friends. Fall was always busy for them attending the OU football games in Norman.

After 70 years together, Carolyn went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2024. Del was called home on January 25, 2026.           Carolyn was proceeded in death by her parents, Glen C and Helen K. Harkins, sister Barbara (Don)Keller. Del was proceeded in death by his parents W Leroy and Vesta B Wilburn, brothers Bill (Aileen) Wilburn, Jack (Dorothy) Wilburn, Clarence (Martha) Wilburn, Kenneth (Evelyn) Wilburn. They are survived by son Bill Wilburn of OKC, Mark (Cyd) Wilburn of Montrose, CO, daughter Kathy (Phil) Rattan of Yukon, OK, grandsons Robbie (Sara) Rattan of OKC and Matthew Wilburn of Odgen, UT and many nephews and nieces.

At the family’s request, a celebration of life will be held privately.



The family would like to give an overwhelming Thank You to the wonderful nurses, aids and staff at Baptist Village of OKC. Additionally, the family would like to extend their gratitude to Traditions Hospice for their care.