Thomas Lawrence Hilburn

Judge Thomas L. Hilburn, 71, of Cherokee Village, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011. He was born September 21, 1939 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Harry (Pop) and Mildred Hilburn and lived there most of his life until moving to Cherokee Village in 1995. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cherokee Village. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Annette Smith Hilburn; one son Thomas (Tommy/Karla) Hilburn Jr. of Little Rock; daughters Leslie Morgan of Jonesboro ,Natalie Smith of Walnut Ridge, and Caroline (Lanier) Robison of Memphis, Tennessee; brothers Dick (Carolyn) Hilburn of Kennett, Missouri and Sam (Diane) Hilburn of North Little Rock; one sister, Alice (Paul) Stovall of Cherokee Village; grandchildren, Waylon and Nigel Morgan, Holly Hilburn, Lauren Robison, Chase Robison, and Grace Robison, and Jake and Sheridan Smith; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty Ruth Sturch Hilburn, and one infant daughter, Amy Suzanne Hilburn. After graduating from Walnut Ridge High School in 1957, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1964. He attended the University of Arkansas earning his law degree in 1970. Upon returning to Walnut Ridge, he served as City Attorney for 10 years and in 1983 he was elected Chancellor of the 3rd Judicial District until his retirement in 2003. He loved golf and enjoyed many golfing trips. He was a great cook, enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and reading. A visitation will be May 12, 2011 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cherokee Village. Memorial Services will be May 13, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge with Rev. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Cherokee Village; First United Methodist Church of Walnut Ridge; The Hilburn Foundation Scholorship, c/o First National Bank of Lawrence County, P.O. Box 509, Walnut Ridge, Ark. 72476; or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at UAMS, the staff of Hospice for the care they provided in recent weeks, and to many friends and family.