Eugene Richard Gilmore passed away from this life to his heavenly home on Dec 26, 2021.  Gene was born Sept 12, 1930, to Charles M and Ethel Gilmore.  Gene was born in Colorado Springs, Co and grew up on the family farm in Stoutland, MO where he also graduated high school in 1949.  After high school, Gene and his brother Walter traveled to Dodge City, KS to work in the fields where they drove combines.

Gene attended the Dodge City Junior College and graduated in 1951 with an Associates in Arts degree.  Later, he met the love of his life, Mary Ruth Cobel, while attending college at SMS in Springfield, MO.   They dated a whole 4 and a half months before they married on June 21, 1952, in Springfield, MO.  The next six years they added to their family a son, Richard Lee, daughters Deborah Anne and Tami Diane.  They later moved to Eldon, MO where Gene taught school and sold Wearever cookware.

Gene taught school in Jefferson City and the family attended Memorial Baptist church.  In 1963 they made the move back to Springfield and raised their family.  Gene owned and operated Gilmore Transfer/Atlas Van Lines until he was in his 70s.  Gene enjoyed a good game of basketball, either on the court or in the stands.  He also loved watching his grandson’s play.  He enjoyed his weekly card games with his siblings, Merle, Barbara and Jerry Hamby and special occasions his brother Walt and wife Anita.  Gene was very active in his church, South Haven Baptist.  He made weekly visits to the shut ins, homebound elderly and nursing homes.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents Chuck and Ethel Gilmore and brother Robert Gilmore.  Gene is survived by his son Richard Gilmore (and his wife Robin), daughters Deborah Gilmore (and her husband Bruce Porter) and Tami Gilmore.  Grandchildren – Wendy Featherston (husband Stuart), Garen Gilmore (wife Abbi), Dustin Woosley, Jacob Stokes, Jessie Rochelle Dilbeck.  Great grandchildren Brady Gilmore, Thomas Gilmore, Josie Stokes, Jeremiah Stokes and Cash Dilbeck.  Siblings – Walter Gilmore (wife Anita), Merle Gilmore and Barbara Hamby (husband Jerry).

Gene will be missed but to see him again you will need to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  When you get to the gate ask Peter where the nearest basketball court is, you will find him there.

Funeral services will be at 2pm, Thursday December 30, 2021, at Greenlawn North with burial to follow at the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be 30 minutes before services.