Blaine Kilburn, 73, of Stanford, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Born in Hyden on February 3, 1952, he was the son of the late Harrison and Zella Woods Kilburn

Blaine spent his time after retirement as a coal miner coon hunting with Ralph Bailey, Shannon Cress, Kevin Rainwater, and Mike Wilson to mention a few. Sundays were spent at church, watching NASCAR racing, and chewing Grizzley and eating Reese Cups. His memory will be a source of comfort and laughter. He made a profound impact on those who knew him. Blaine will be sadly missed and forever remembered.

Blaine is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Shawn) Rice of Stanford; sisters: Barbara Melton of Somerset who was his first friend, best friend, and special sister  who knew if she fell he would always be there to pick her up after he stopped laughing, Freda Joseph of Wooten, Lula Clark of Hyden, Kathy Madden of Wooten, and Vickie Barger of Wooten; brothers: Fred Kilburn of Wooten and Harrison Kilburn, Jr., of Hyden; his granddaughter who completed their family, Taylin Rice, who was his pride and joy, of Stanford; and brother-in-law, Freddie Saylor of Harlan.

In March 1976, Blaine married the love of his life, Alpha Jean Bloomer and gained a family that treated him like their own. In addition to his parents, Blaine was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Alpha Jean Bloomer Kilburn, brother, Bill Kilburn; and sisters: Nancy Kilburn and Mae Hurt; his in-laws, Jack and Polly Bloomer, brother-in-law, Bill Bloomer, and sister-in-law, Pat Saylor.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Blaine's caregiver, Sierra Downey. She was a blessing who went above and beyond to help their family.

Visitation is 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM Friday at W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday at 12:00 PM with Bro. Ray Stepp officiating. Burial will follow in Science Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shawn Rice, Patrick Melton, Ben Melton, Terry Stamper, Blake Morrow, and Keith Cash. Honorary pallbearers will be Freddie Saylor and Ralph Bailey.

Guestbook is available at www.wlpruitt.com.