H. Richard "Dick" Gilman, 93, of Latham, IL passed away Friday, July 22, 2011 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home with Rev. Jean Pennell officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 25, 2011 at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Illini Cemetery in Warrensburg.
Memorials are suggested to the Warrensburg Illini Congregational Church or Millikin University Athletic Department.
Dick was born on March 24, 1918 in Macon County, the son of Harold Bailey and Kathleen Brown Gilman. He married Winona Curtis on April 12, 1942 and she preceded him in death on January 15, 1990. He then married Iona Seefeldt in 1995 and she preceded him in death in 2005. Dick was a member of the Warrensburg Illini Congregational Church and an Army Air Corp Veteran of WWII, he was a farmer and retired from A. E. Staley Mfg. Co. after 28 years of service. He graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1936 and received his B. A. from Millikin University. Dick was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Warrensburg Latham "liars club" that met at the coffee shop daily, he was a strong follower of Millikin University athletics, he was a diehard Cubs fan, Bears fan and Illini fan. Dick followed Warrensburg Latham athletics and was a member of the Warrensburg Latham football chain gang for over 25 years. Dick especially loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dick is survived by his fiancé Gloria Bradshaw Kiick of Latham; his children: Rick Gilman and partner Bil Larrick of Decatur, Ron Gilman and wife Mary of Maroa, Gwen Wagner and husband Gary of Sheridan, IN, John Gilman and wife Tina of Champaign, David Gilman of Decatur, Brian Gilman and wife Jackie of Decatur, Jed Gilman and wife Sue of Evergreen, CO, Dan Gilman and wife Bobbi of Evansville, IN; sisters: Barbara Bivens of Cleveland, OH, Shirley Bennett of Argenta and Judy Ambrose of Bonsall, CA; 21 favorite grandchildren and 17 equally favorite great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; special family and children of Gloria's: Brad Kiick and wife Debbie, Cheryl Kiick-Durban and husband Miguel also survive.
Dick was preceded in death by Winona and Iona, one son Frederick Gilman, two daughters Cynthia Gilman and Joyce Bruner.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com
"A Life Celebration Home"
My big brother!! Oh, how I mourn your passing. Being your "baby sister" and 16 years younger, you were my hero and my idol. I will always tell people of your indomitable spirit and how you came through many crises in your life. Your calm demeanor under stress and trials still keeps me in awe. Engaged to Gloria at the age of 93 just shows more spunk and spirit than is imagineable. You packed at least 2 lifetimes of activity into your life. Heaven is a brighter spot now that you're there and I look forward to our reunion some day. Love, Judy (baby sister).
Memories of my Uncle Dick:
Talking in that wonderful gravelly voice
Happily seated on the couch at Helter Skelter Shelter, never minding the chaos
Stopping by Grandma's house, wearing your navy blue work clothes
Sitting on a tractor, the perfect embodiment of a farmer in the eyes of a young girl from California
Enjoying a meal (and a smoke) at "Restaurant"
Bringing Grandma to California, but always looking forward to your return to "God's Country"
May God's Country be everything you've ever dreamed it could be, Uncle Dick. You're in good company. Love you lots, Kory
| David |
Your Dad |
August 1, 2011 |
We were sorry to read of your father's death. From his obit, he must have lived a happy serving life. That & raising a large family is something to be proud of. You have had too many close loss' these past couple of years, please continue to be strong & live. You have many people who care about & need you.
Your friends,
Steve & Jeannie Bainbridge
