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Funeral: 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the church
Burial: Iola Cemetery
Malachai Eugene Wildbur, age 39, of Iola, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Malachai was born on September 13, 1985, in Effingham, Illinois, the beloved son of Michael Eugene and Kathy Jane (Britton) Wildbur. On October 2, 2019, he married Casey Joanna Wills, beginning a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams for the future. Their life together began with a simple private ceremony, later celebrated with loved ones and friends as they shared vows in a heartfelt gathering that reflected their deep love for each other and those closest to them.
From a young age, Malachai embraced hard work, starting with Clay County Grain and later contributing his dedication and skill to Bible Pork, Southwire, and Simple Transport. He also lent his effort helping on Troy Britton’s farm and with Edwards Pro Wash. Malachai took pride in mowing grass and keeping his truck and vehicles in excellent condition, always ensuring everything was well-maintained and cared for.
An outdoorsman at heart, Malachai loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Even as a child, he would skip the toy aisle entirely, heading straight for the outdoor gear section. These passions carried through to his cherished relationship with his daughter, Makayla. He treasured their time together, whether it was deer hunting, fishing, or simply attending her activities and spending time together.
A man of faith, Malachai was baptized at Red Brush Christian Church in August 2001, and lived his beliefs in the love he showed his family, the dedication he gave to his work, and the peace and happiness he found in God’s great outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Casey Wildbur of Iola, and his daughter, Makayla Marie Wildbur. Malachai’s newest joy in recent days was the announcement of his growing family. He and Casey were filled with excitement and love as they anticipated welcoming Baby Wildbur, expected to arrive in July 2025.
Malachai is also survived by his parents, Mike and Kathy Wildbur of Iola; his grandmothers, Shirley Wildbur of Effingham and Alice Britton of Iola; his father-and-mother-in-law, Randy and Polly Wills, and brother-in-law, Eric Wills, all of Carlinville. Malachai also leaves a number of aunts and uncles, cousins, and special friends, including Jared and Megan Payne, and Joe Edwards. He was preceded in passing by his grandfathers, Harold Wildbur and Bill Britton; and uncles, Doug and Jeff Wildbur, and Lewis “Bud” Britton
A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville, with Dusty Elmore officiating. Burial will follow in Iola Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial gifts in the form of donations to a fund for Malachai’s children are most greatly appreciated by the family. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Aug 29, 1936 - Dec 21, 2024
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So sorry to hear of Malachai’s passing. Praying for comfort and peace for all. I know he will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kathy and Mike, I am so sorry for your tragic loss of such a wonderful man. May God provide you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers and love to you all.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family at this hard time in your life. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Kathy I’m so very sorry for the loss of your son.
Wow..I actually had the pleasure of knowing an working with this young Man..we talked alot about hunting an Bows an Guns.Guess God needed Another Angel. I Awlays called him Malkie..Hunt on till we meet again. Prayers and hugs for you all.So sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with you now and always. Take care, Love you.
Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around each of you and guide you thru your days ahead. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Hugs to all.
My heart breaks for this loss. He was a classmate to Beth so I watched this boy grow up. I never saw Malachia out anywhere that he didn’t stop and take time to say hello. Kathy & Mike, sorry for your loss is so inadequate but know that I am praying for you.
Casey, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and the Family.
My heart breaks for all of you. Many , many prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I am so sorry for your loss...Getting to know Malachai is about the only good thing that came out of working at the chicken farm. You are all in my prayers.
Mike, Kathy, Casey & family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Malachai was a special guy, Jay thought a lot of him. Praying for Casey and your family. May God provide you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Casey I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time. Prayers for you and your family.
Our deepest condolences to the family. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!
So very sorry to hear of this passing. Many prayers for God's love and comfort to shower of his family and loved ones during this time.
Mike and Kathy, our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss. May you find peace and comfort in God's love.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Malachai…..I was Malachai’s 8th grade baseball and basketball coach. He was, and always will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, and his high character. Malachai you sure will be missed by many…..God Bless To ALL of the family.
I am sorry for your loss I hope you find strength in the Lord as you and your family goes through this time in your life.
Casey, Kathy & Mike, I am so very sorry to hear of such a great loss. My heartfelt condolences. Prayer for peace.
I love. You Malachi and there are so many things I am going to miss about u. You living across the field from me and after your uncle Bud passed away u always made me feel safe. If I had questions you were there. I sure will miss hearing those guns being shot although there was a few times she shot off somethings that the vibration knocked a few pictures off the wall, but it didn’t take long I knew it was Malachi again outside doing the thing he loved to do and that was practicing shooting although u was already a straight shot! I will miss seeing u riding back in the woods no matter what the weather was u was up for it! You loved nature more than anyone I knew and I pray there is a whole lot of outside adventures u can do in Heaven. Uncle Bud will feel good enough to go on those adventures with u now. Tell uncle Bud the I miss him and love him. I don’t mean to be selfish but I wish God would have been able to give all of us more time with. You brought so much love and joy to all of us and had so much more we could have watched u succeed at. What I would give to hear a picture fall off the wall and say to myself Malachi is outside doing what he loves to do. I know uncle Bud was standing there with his arms wide open for you he also loved u so much. To know Malachi was to love Malachi, you was a very special young man. With all my love, Willie❤️❤️❤️
Casey, Mike, Kathy & family, there really are no words to ease the pain of such a sudden loss. Just know that you have my deepest condolences as you face the difficult times ahead & I'll be thinking of you all.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
