Eugene “Gene” E. Tilbury, 88, Warsaw, formerly of Milford, passed away July 3, 2019, at Warsaw Meadows. He was born Feb. 2, 1931, in Camby, Minn. to Clarence and Alice (Laabs) Tilbury. He married Phyllis Grace Collins on June 20, 1957; she preceded him in death on Feb. 7, 2010.

He honorably served in the United States Air Force and went on to work at Union Carbide, retiring after 31 years. He loved horses and was an avid Nascar and Minnesota Vikings fan. He loved to talk and tell stories and really never knew a stranger. He enjoyed being with family at family get togethers, and always had a smile on his face.

Gene Tilbury is survived by two sons, James (Misuk) Tilbury of Milford; Jonathan (Kaye) Collins of South Carolina; a daughter, Sherri (Bruce) Obacz of North Webster; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Shirley Peters of Redwood Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and a sister.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milford. Pastor Josh Weiland will officiate the service. Burial will take place at Milford Cemetery.

A memorial visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be given to Disabled Veterans of America.