"I said to myself, self.....today is the first day of the rest of my life."

Carl Edward Hilburn, 81, of Meeker, Oklahoma, died peacefully Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at his home with his wife and family at his side. Carl's death marks the end of a long battle with Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer.

He was born in Cooperton, Oklahoma on April 3, 1932 to William Ellis and Alta Ola Jones Hilburn.

After school, Carl joined the Army where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. Carl reached the rank of Corporal and was awarded a Korean Service Medal with five bronze service stars, a UN Service Medal, and a Japan Army of Occupation Medal.

After his discharge from the Army, Carl moved to the Stamford, Texas area where he met his wife, Patty Ann Register. They married July 28, 1956.

Together they raised six boys as well as playing a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren.

Carl was very proud of his work in the oil field and trucking businesses as well as his favorite hobby, horse trading.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Carl Hilburn Jr.; three brothers, and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patty Ann {Register} Hilburn; five sons, Keith Hilburn of Warr Acres, Oklahoma; Ken Hilburn and wife Cindy of Meeker, Oklahoma; Mark Hilburn of Meeker, Oklahoma; Russell Hilburn and wife Terrie of Shawnee, Oklahoma; and Chad Hilburn and wife Leslie of Edinburg, Texas; and nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters.

Carl's family would like to extend a very special THANK YOU to all of the staff at Faith Hospice, especially Rick, Christie and Demetria.

An informal memorial service for family and friends will be held at his home in Meeker this Saturday, March 22, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.