David Wayne Bilby Sr.

David Wayne Bilby was born on July 31, 1945, in Columbia, Missouri, to Sliker and Lucille (Selby) Bilby. The family settled in Perry, Oklahoma, where his dad began a veterinary practice. His sister, Margaret was born five years later in Perry. Dave’s grandparents on the Bilby side had a dairy farm not too far away and many happy hours were spent there growing up. As a middle school-high school student, Dave had jobs mowing lawns and a newspaper route.

The family regularly attended the Presbyterian church and Dave remembers going to Sunday School and thinking he was a Christian all his life. It was the pastor of the church, leading Dave’s Boy Scout troop, who explained to the boys the plan of salvation and a personal relationship with God. Dave was so thankful for this pastor’s care and instruction in bringing him to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

High school was a difficult time socially, but Dave did well academically thanks to many of the teachers who encouraged his studies. He went on to Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, majoring in accounting. Freshman year went well, sophomore year not so much, so he decided to join the Navy after his junior year. This was January 1966, and Dave went for 12 weeks of boot camp in San Diego. His aptitude tests took him into Sound Navigation Radar (SONAR) and after leave, he was back in San Diego for school. He was eventually assigned to the USS King (DLG 10) which was deployed in the Vietnam area. All his service was on board the King with five tours in the Vietnam area. Dave received an honorable discharge on January 31, 1971, having served six years active and inactive duty.

In the middle of his Navy service, his ship came to Portland, Oregon, to celebrate the Rose Festival in 1967. It was on the last night of this trip in Portland that he met Fayrene Hall. They began writing and meeting when they could and were married on April 27, 1968. After Dave’s discharge, they moved to Portland where he worked in banking for 10 years. He also earned his tax preparer license and worked part-time at Sears in the cashier department. In 1981, he and a partner started an accounting practice. Dave was able to continue this on his own after his partner retired.

Along the way, sons David (1969), Brian (1971) and Darrin (1975) were born. Life was a real team effort with Dave building up the accounting business and Fayrene operating a child-care business with the boys at home. They attended First Baptist Church, Milwaukie, for 30+ years with Dave serving on the Finance Team and Fayrene managing the Church Kitchen. In 2021, they began attending Grand View Baptist Church and truly appreciate the solid Bible teaching and fellowship there.

Dave was very involved with Rotary International for 35 years, using his accounting skills in the operation of the local clubs and the Rotary Foundation. He had perfect attendance all this time for Rotary meetings. He also joined the USS King Association and served as Administrative Director, Treasurer and Secretary during his 20+ years with this group of Navy friends. Other projects were two completed senior housing developments which were very rewarding even while they were frustrating times of dealing with the government!

In 2008, Dave handed the accounting business over to son Brian, and continued to work with him until December 2022. Several health issues and events slowed Dave down, but he kept helping build the firm as long as he could. It was also found in 2021 that Agent Orange from Dave’s Vietnam service days had brought several other health issues, slowing him down even more. Medical treatments and pain management were used, but ultimately were not turning the tide. As they could see the end drawing near, Dave and Fayrene had a couple weeks to spend all their time together and gather with family.

Dave and Fayrene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018, giving thanks to God for all His care of them in every aspect of life. They are so thankful for the still-growing family which God has brought to them and especially that each one has come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Son, David and wife, Diana; their son, Kenton (grandson) and wife, Mariah, and children, Rowen and Cooper (great-grandchildren); and their daughter, Meagan (granddaughter) and husband, JR Ehline, and children Avalee and Charlotte (great-grandchildren) and one on the way!
Son, Brian and wife, Erin; their daughters, Lydia and Abigail (granddaughters)
Son, Darrin and wife, Cindi; their son, Braxston (grandson).

Everyone who knew Dave will testify to his unwavering trust in the Lord and strong conviction that God is in control. His cheerfulness and love for others was always evident. On a path that was not always easy, he finished well and is waiting for the rest of us in heaven with His Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Grand View Baptist Church, 14855 S Leland Rd, Beavercreek OR 97004. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in David's name to the Grand View Baptist Church Building Fund.