Wilbert W. Killion

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 ont eh 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.

Services will take place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at French Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Brazil.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4-8 p.m., with Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Military graveside rites will be provided by American Legion Post No. 2 and V.F.W. No. 1127.

Light a candle in his memory at www.frenchfuneralhome.com.