Wilbert W. Killion

Wilbert W. Killion

Male 1921 - 2009  (87 years)

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  • Name Wilbert W. Killion 
    Born 17 Dec 1921  Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 2 May 2009  Cobblestone Crossings Nursing Home, Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Social Security Index: "Wilbert W. Killion, b. 17 Dec 1921 d. 2 May 2009, last residence: Brazil, Clay, IN 47834, SSN: 313-18-7471 Indiana (Bef. 1951)."
    Buried Union Cemetery, Hoosierville, Clay County, Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • French, Lawson-Miller & Schoppenhorst Funeral Home Obituary, reprinted in The Brazil Times, Sunday, 3 May 2009:

      "Wilbert W. Killion, 87, Terre Haute, formerly of Brazil, died May 2, 2009, at Cobblestone Crossing. He had resided at Sycamore Manor Retirement Community until recently.

      He was born Dec. 17, 1921, in Clay County, the son of Charles Killion and Sadie Evans Killion.

      He graduated from Brazil High School, class of 1940.

      On Jan. 31, 1942, he married Mary Jane Megenhardt, Center Point. They were married for 61 years before she passed away in 2003.

      Wilbert followed in the foot steps of his father and grandfather and began his career in the coal industry at the Bradway Coal Company, Local Union 934, in September 1941, working until entry in the U.S. Army in 1942.

      He served in the European Theater, was discharged in 1945, and began working at G&F Corporation, for Leo Girton and was a member of Local Union 6822, District 8, in the United Mine Workers Association.

      This began his long history with the UMWA serving in many capacities. He held positions in the local union offices and District 8, beginning in 1948-68. He also held the distinction of being elected in 1956 to the International Executive Board, UMWA, representing District 8 during the time of John L. Lewis was the International President.

      In 1972, Districts 8 and 11 were consolidated and Wilbert retained his elected position with the UMWA as a board member. During the time as a member of the International Executive Board, he served on many commissions representing the International Union in the various Districts of the UMWA in the United States and Canada. He served on the negotiating team during contract talks with the Coal Operators Association many times.

      In March 1980, he was appointed Vice President of the United Mine Workers Association of America. While in this position, he negotiated the coal contracts in the Western United States and involved in the contract negotiations and the Organizing and Safety Division in the Union. He chose not to run for re-election and retired in December 1982

      Mr. Killion was a member of the American Legion Post No. 2 and V.F.W. No. 1127, both in Brazil. Also, he was a member of F&AM Lodge 264 in Brazil and Scottish Rite, Valley of Terre Haute.

      Survivors include two sisters-in-law Peggy Latham and Dortha Urbain, both of Brazil, brother-in-law Bill Megenhardt, Center Point, step-brother Harold Deirdorf and wife Rosemary, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own. . . ."

    • The United Mine Workers Journal, May-June 2009, p. 16

      "In Memoriam: The UMWA mourns the passing of former International Vice President Wilbert Killion.

      'From the time he entered the mines in 1941 as a member of L.U. 934, Brother Killion devoted himself to our union and its members,' said President Roberts. 'Returning to work following World War II as a member of L.U. 6822, he held a number of leadership positions, and in 1956 was elected to represent District 8 on the International Union's Executive Board, remaining on the Board through District 8's 1972 consolidation with District 11.

      A veteran of numerous negotiating battles, he was the International Vice President when he retired in 1982. All of us at the UMWA deeply appreciate Wilbert Killion's many years of devoted service to our union. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.'

      Secretary-Treasurer Kane added, 'The gratitude our members feel for Brother Killion was well expressed when he took the podium at our last Convention. People who have devoted their entire lives to the labor movement deserve to be remembered, and Brother Killion will be remembered by UMWA
      members everywhere.'"
    Person ID I36633  Complete
    Last Modified 22 Feb 2011 

    Father Charles Killion,   b. 27 Jul 1899, Jackson, Clay County, Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 17 Nov 1975, Clay County Hospital, Brazil, Clay, Indiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 76 years) 
    Mother Sarah E. Evans,   b. 3 Aug 1899, Putnam County, Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Abt. 1929  (Age 29 years) 
    Married 8 Nov 1919  Brazil, Clay County, Indiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941: "Charles Killion & Sarah E. Evans, 8 Nov 1919, Clay County."
    Family ID F18042153  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Mary Jane Megenhardt,   b. 19 Apr 1922, Center Point, Clay, Indiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Jul 2003, St. Vincent Clay Hospital, Brazil, Clay County, Indiana, U.S.A. Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 81 years) 
    Married 31 Jan 1942 
    Last Modified 22 Feb 2011 
    Family ID F18042158  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 17 Dec 1921 - Indiana, U.S.A. Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 2 May 2009 - Cobblestone Crossings Nursing Home, Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana, U.S.A. Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - Union Cemetery, Hoosierville, Clay County, Indiana, U.S.A. Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 

  • Photos
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009)
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009)

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    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009)
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009)

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    Headstones
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009) & Mary Jane Megenhardt (1922-2003)
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009) & Mary Jane Megenhardt (1922-2003)

    Find-A-Grave:

    Union Cemetery, Hoosierville, Clay County, Indiana, U.S.A.
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009), Military Service-World War II
    Wilbert W. Killion (1921-2009), Military Service-World War II

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