Robert Pilsbury

R. E. “Red” Pilsbury,85

R.E. “Red” Pilsbury died Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Sarasota Healthcare Center. Born February 5, 1922 in Craigmont, Idaho, He moved to Lake Wales in 1966 to become district manager for Gulf Life insurance Company. A veteran of WW11 serving in the U.S. Navy. Following his retirement from Gulf Life he went into Real Estate with Billy Hurlburt and while living in Lake Wales Red was very active in the community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 27 years and served as President on several occasions. He served on the Lake Wales Planning and Zoning Board as a member and as Chairman. He served as a City Commissioner and as Mayor. He served on the board for Roosevelt Vocational School, and on the Board of Directors for first Union and he always found time to serve in his church, Lake Wales Church of Christ. He served as Chairman of the Committee to raise funds to send the Lake Wales High School Band to the Macy’s Parade in 1976.He was referred to as “Goodwill Ambassador for Lake Wales in 1983 when he was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. He was Lake Wales official Santa Claus for over 20 years and was also the official Kiwanis Club Easter Bunny. He will be remembered as the Auctioneer for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast as well as the egg salesman, and helping FFA students financially. He will surely be missed by his family and friends, and will be remembered by the people in town for his smile and Stetson hat.

Preceded in death by wife Shirley Adaline Pilsbury,2001
Survivors include his daughter,Jean E. Higgins & husband Bob of St. Augustine, sons, Harold E. Pilsbury & wife Cindy of Bradenton, Larry W. Pilsbury & wife Diana of Lake Wales, brother Jack Pilsbury of Tampa, sister Betty Payne of Tampa, 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter and 2 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held 2:00 p.m, Monday, April 2, 2007 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Charles Murray officiating. Family will be receiving friends at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home on Monday from 1:00 pm until service time. Interment will be held at the Lake Wales Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Lake Wales Kiwanis Foundation P.O. Box 1037 LakeWales, Fl. 33859.