THORNTON, N.H. -Trafton Leroy Wilbur died at home on Sunday October 18th, 2015. He was 85 years old. Born in King Ferry New York, he was the son of Carl Wilbur, and Emily Slocum Wilbur.
Trafton graduated from King Ferry Central School. Upon his graduation in 1948, he enlisted and served our country during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home he attended Ithaca College, where he would meet his future wife Suzanne. He and Sue were married in August of 1955, and Trafton continued his education graduating in 1957.
Trafton always said that "I don't know what I want to do when I grow up". True to those words, Trafton started his professional career as a middle school math teacher. But he became restless, and decided to return to college part time in 1958 at Syracuse University where he would earn his MBA.
The next years flew by. He was blessed with 2 children and a business career that kept him busy and on the move. Their 1st home was in Marcellus N.Y. which was followed by the next in Watertown, followed by Syracuse N.Y. In 1964, Trafton decided to return to his first interest, education, and he and Sue moved to Cobleskill New York, where he would begin a long career with Cobleskill College serving as Registrar, Dean of Students, Assistant to the President, and finally Associate Professor of Law.
After Trafton and Sue retired from SUNY Cobleskill, they moved to their home on Cayuga Lake in King Ferry N.Y. They also traveled ---all over the US, to Alaska three times, and to Europe. But the arrival of grandchildren would prompt their last move.
The summer of 1989 brought them to Hog Back Road in Campton N.H. Traft and Sue had a huge sign made to hang in their yard - it said 'DUN ROVIN'. When Sue passed away in 2005 Traft made a final move to Thornton, N.H. to live with his daughter Debbie and her family.
Trafton is survived by his daughter Debbie, his son Trafton Lee Wilbur, and grandchildren, Aaron and Amanda Engelhardt. Also by his brother Dana and Sister Ann Lamkins Johnson, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held on Sunday the 1st of November at the Campton Baptist church at 2pm, with a celebration of life to follow at the Country Cow Restaurant from 3-5pm.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight, Inc. Att: Diane Gresse 300 E. Auburn Ave Springfield, OH 45505 or Honor Flight New England, PO Box 16287, Hooksett, NH. 03106.