ELDON A. JANZEN

ALPHA (ΚΚΨ) OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

DECEMBER 10, 2022

Eldon Janzen passed away on December 10, 2022 at the age of 94. He served as Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville from 1970 to 1995. He is survived by daughter Jana (Janzen) Gorham (Psi – Tau Beta Sigma), son-in-law David Gorham (Lambda –Kappa Kappa Psi), grandson Brant Gorham, son Scott Janzen (Lambda – Kappa Kappa Psi) and daughter-in-law Detra Janzen. Eldon was a member of Alpha Chapter and Honorary Member of Gamma Sigma and Lambda Chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Psi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. A native of Medford, OK, he held degrees from Oklahoma State University and the university of North Texas. During his time as Director of Bands the Lambda Chapter (KKPsi) was awarded the William A. Scroggs Founders Trophy, were National Chapter Leadership Award Finalists three more times and won numerous Southwest District awards. The Psi Chapter (TBSigma) were Chapter Leadership Award Finalist once as well. As a Director, he’s remembered as a “perfectionist” and a “meticulous crafter of detail in performance, with the best set of ears I’ve ever been around” by longtime U of A colleague Chalon Ragsdale. His daughter Jana… “He was the same kind of father as he was a teacher. He was patient, supportive and always dependable. He never raised his voice in anger, and he never ‘preached.’ He showed us every day how to live a life of integrity.” His son Scott said, “I remember my dad as a true leader, and the positive influence he made on countless others.”

Gwendolyn Jane Wilburn

ALPHA (ΚΚΨ) OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

December 9, 2022

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma lost a dear friend on December 9, 2022. Although she would be unknown to the Active membership today, her impact during the 1980s and 1990s continues to bear fruit today.

Gwendolyn Jane Wilburn, 74, a Stillwater resident, went to her heavenly home, December 9, 2022, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She was born December 20, 1947, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the daughter of Max and Zola (Bilyeu) Sinclair.

Gwen grew up in Perry, Oklahoma where she attended and was a cheerleader later graduating from Perry High School in the class of 1966. She later went on to attend at Northern Oklahoma College taking classes before transferring to Oklahoma State University where she met the love of her life Kenneth Wilburn.

Ken and Gwen were united in marriage on January 12, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in Perry, Oklahoma. They were blessed with two daughters, Tara and Cassie.

Gwen loved her work at the National Headquarters, where she served 22 years as Bookkeeper, Office Manager, and a time as Interim National Executive Director. Retiring from NHQ in 1999, Gwen was a surrogate mom to numerous brothers and sisters of the Alpha Chapters and the early Chapter Field Representatives of ΚΚΨ & ΤΒΣ.

During Gwen’s retirement, she loved to do crossword puzzles, decorate, and spend time with her family. Gwen also loved to collect Santa’s where she made a collection over the years. She was an amazing woman who was full of life, had an infectious laugh, and a heart of gold.