Roland B. Bilson

Roland’s life began on September 14, 1928 in Eureka. He is the son of Ralph B. and Ella Mae (Green) Bilson. Roland is a graduate of Eureka High School and attended Kansas State University. He was an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, one of scouting highest honors. Roland was united in marriage to the former Mary Ruth Nixon in November of 1951. He was a lifelong rancher and remained active in the family cow/calf operation until his passing. When not working cattle, Roland enjoyed camping and “the Flintstone Camping Club”. He was planning a camping trip for later this year. He was a trained storm-spotter and Greenwood County Reserve Deputy. Roland was a 50 plus year member of the Climax Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed NASCAR racing – especially Ford driven teams and was an avid reader. Roland’s greatest joy was his family which includes his children Raymond (Julie) Bilson of Smolan, Marilyn (Richard) Simon of Wichita, Roger (Pat) Bilson of Perryton, TX and Ralph (Julie) Bilson of Eureka; ten grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and his sister Harriett “Jeannie” McCarly of San Diego, CA. Roland passed away on March 16, 2018 at Greenwood County Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Mary. His family will gather with friends on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eureka United Methodist Church where his service will begin at 1 p.m. led by Reverend Kenneth Baker. He will be entombed at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum. Kirby-Morris Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Greenwood County Historical Society or the Eureka United Methodist Church. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Roland at www.kirbymorrisfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roland B. Bilson, please visit our floral store.