Jd Wilbanks
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JD Wilbanks, lifelong resident of Spearman passed away on Thursday February 25, 2021 at the age of 101. Viewing will be on Thursday, March 4, 2021 and Friday, March 5, 2021 from 9:00a.m., until 9:00p.m.. Graveside Services will be on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hansford Cemetery with Reverend Ken Cole officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.
JD was born to Andrew J. and Emma Dove Wilbanks on February 16, 1920 in the hospital in Canadian. JD had one older sister and brother who both preceded him in death. On January 3, 1942 JD married his high school sweetheart Rubyjo Simmons. They were married for 76 years. Rubyjo passed in May of 2018.
JD had many careers. He was a farmer, pilot, photographer, water well driller, silversmith, inventor, car collector, steam engine operator and collector, windmill builder, well operator, and square dance caller. JD also owned and operated one of the only fly in and drive in movie theatres in Texas. At the theatre he installed a train for the children and was the engineer.
JD and Rubyjo were well known for their many contributions to the area. They were board members of the Station Masters House Museum in Spearman, the Hansford Historical Commission and Girls Town in Borger. JD and Rubyjo were also passionate about their pets. There was a joke that said all stray cats knew to head to the Wilbanks home for food and shelter.
JD resided at the Hansford Manor for the past few years even though he was still driving up until his 100th birthday. His favorite part of the day was coffee at Gordon's with his friends and going to the post office each morning. JD's secret to longevity was quite simple: learn something new every day. JD's favorite celebrity was Doppler Dave Oliver on News Channel 10. Doppler Dave was kind enough to honor JD and Rubyjo on their anniversaries and birthdays and as recently as February 16, 2021 when JD turned 101.
JD is survived by one nephew Carl Reed of Wimberley, and two nieces Carolyn Reed Wright and DJ Stubben both of Amarillo and many great nephews and nieces.
The family wants to express their appreciation to Dorothy Nollner who has cared for Rubyjo and JD for these past years. We'd also like to express our appreciation to the loving staff of Hansford Manor and Rev. Ken Cole who has remained a friend and pastor to JD even after retirement, and acknowledge JD's special friend, Yolanda Putnam.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Spearman Economic Development Center, PO Box 37, Spearman TX. JD was born the same year Spearman was founded and he was so proud to be able to live his entire life there. He often told the story of how the residents laid the bricks on the streets that are still there today. The EDC will use the funds to have students paint beautiful murals throughout Spearman honoring its great history.