In memoriam
Wilburn Eugene Stovall
February 10, 2026 · Age 100
Obituary
Wilburn Eugene Stovall, a longtime San Diegan and dedicated educator, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 100. Born in Richards, Texas, Wilburn (known as “Al” to his friends) joined the U.S. Navy at just 17 during World War II. After completing his training in San Diego, he served as a radio operator aboard a destroyer escort in the Pacific. After the war, Al made San Diego his permanent home.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in education from California Western University, and later a Ph.D. in Human Behavior. During his early years in San Diego he met Janet Kirk, an exchange teacher from Scotland. They married in 1961 and shared 60 years together until her passing in 2021. Together, they shared a deep love of travel and a steadfast faith.
Whether exploring nearby communities or traveling abroad, Al was always eager to learn about the history and culture of every place he visited. They were longtime members of Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, where Al faithfully served as both a Deacon and an Elder. To all who knew him, Al was remarkable not only for his expansive knowledge, but for his kindness, humility, and generosity of spirit (not for his singing voice) He is survived by his son, Robert and his son Kiffin McGinnis; his daughter, Lorna Stovall and her husband, John Durschinger and their son, August.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet, and his daughter, Ainsley. Wilburn will be laid to rest at on Poole Cemetery on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in education from California Western University, and later a Ph.D. in Human Behavior. During his early years in San Diego he met Janet Kirk, an exchange teacher from Scotland. They married in 1961 and shared 60 years together until her passing in 2021. Together, they shared a deep love of travel and a steadfast faith.
Whether exploring nearby communities or traveling abroad, Al was always eager to learn about the history and culture of every place he visited. They were longtime members of Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, where Al faithfully served as both a Deacon and an Elder. To all who knew him, Al was remarkable not only for his expansive knowledge, but for his kindness, humility, and generosity of spirit (not for his singing voice) He is survived by his son, Robert and his son Kiffin McGinnis; his daughter, Lorna Stovall and her husband, John Durschinger and their son, August.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet, and his daughter, Ainsley. Wilburn will be laid to rest at on Poole Cemetery on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Visitation & service details
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