Kevin M. Kilborn

Kevin went to his rest on July 6, 2018, at the age of 65 years old, surrounded by his family and friends in the home where he and his wife Pattee raised their three children.
In 2010, Kevin was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer. In those eight years the cancer invaded his life, affecting his memory, his ability to walk and eventually to speak. Through it all he sought to shield his family and friends from the ravages of this disease. He never complained and always remained optimistic that life would return to normal. In every step of the way, Pattee was by his side; their love for one another was something cancer could not touch.
Countless family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and prayer chains kept vigil for Kevin until Friday, July 6, when Kevin, in the words of his Native American ancestors, walked on. He was lovingly welcomed by those who preceded him in death.
Kevin understood what it meant to work hard, plan, and build a life. He lived with integrity and loyalty and he had strong beliefs that ran as deep and as true as his love for his family. He believed in Made in America before it became a fad. Well-tuned engines, fast cars and rock music were among his passions. Like his mother, he befriended animals, enjoyed coin collecting and was fascinated by astronomy. Kevin related to people who worked with their hands and loved fully with their hearts because he did, too.
He was born on July 5, 1953, in Bay City, Mich., to Dorothy and Karl Kilborn, both of whom predeceased him. On Aug. 7, 1982, Kevin married Patricia Sting, the love - and best friend - of his life. As a young couple, life was an adventure, and in times of adversity, their bond grew even stronger. Kevin is survived by their three children, Kevin, Joel and Lauren (Zach) Pauwels, all of Bay City. He also leaves his beloved cat - Kat Man Du - and the memory of Penny, his loyal dog of 18 years.
Several brothers and sisters survive, including Roger (Carol) Smith, Jon (Helen) Kilborn, Donna (Gary) VanPelt, Joel Kilborn, Karl Van (Sue) Kilborn, Lance Kilborn (Sue Ralph), Linda Kilborn and Cheryl Kilborn (James Tarchinski) and sister-in-law Elaine Kilborn. Kevin was predeceased by his brother Richard Kilborn, sister-in-law Elizabeth Kilborn and nephew Karl Van Kilborn II.
Kevin is also survived by Sandy (Richard) Jacobs, Robert (Sandy) Sting, Colleen (John) Mauch, Jim Sting, and Cherie (Steve) Smith. He was predeceased by his father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Gweneth Sting.
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and his elder, Aunt Geraldine Kilmer, survive.
Proud to have been a truck driver, Kevin retired from Cassens Transport in 2010.
Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson with burial in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to the Humane Society of Bay County or during the holiday season contribute to Coats for Kids or Toys for Tots.
The family thanks the medical teams at MidMichigan Hospital in Midland, the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and the McLaren Hospice in Bay City for their compassionate care.