Robert Ward Gilmore 1969 – 2024

SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI – Robert Ward Gilmore, 55, died peacefully at his home in Springfield, Missouri on March 16, 2024.  He lived his entire life in and around Springfield, Missouri where he was born on January 8th, 1969, to Carol and Max Ward (Doc) Gilmore.  He grew up on Farm Road 97, the same road on which he would go on to build his home and raise his family.

Bob grew up an outdoorsman, learning about nature, animals, and hunting from his father, a well-respected veterinarian.  Bob would together with his friends create a hunting camp on Clifty Creek Ranch, the property of Tom Hicks (Doc’s longtime friend).  Doc would continue to visit season after season, bringing his children and grandchildren along, and teaching them the skills of hunting and processing venison, turkey, and other wildlife.  Bob would carry on this tradition, building on to the “Camp Clifty Creek” cabin and bringing his children, nephews, nieces, and other young hunters.  Camp Clifty Creek continues to be a special place for those who loved Bob, including his son Noah Gilmore, Tom Hicks and his son Tommy Hicks.

In childhood and adulthood, Bob remained close with his three sisters, Peggy Switzner, Gail Driskell, and Amy Gibbs.  Throughout their lives, they bonded over their love of Ozark nature, animals, and quality time with family.  Bob is remembered by his sisters as an excellent brother, and an even better uncle.  Bob was very close with his parents, who preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death is Bob’s older brother Keith Gilmore, who died in infancy.  In his own telling of his testimony, Bob credits his mother Carol with bringing him into his relationship with Christ when he was about ten years old.  Bob’s faith would remain steadfast throughout his life.

Although Bob was a quiet man, he was a deep well, with a soul full of love, beauty, and art.  He cultivated an incredible skill for writing poetry, and would share poems with his family, friends, and loved ones.  He was also a talented woodworker, making everything from toys to cutting boards for his family and friends.  In the eyes of his grandchildren, there was nothing Bob couldn’t do or fix.

In 1992, Bob welcomed his first child, his daughter Kelsey Shane Houston.  He took on fatherhood with steadfast love, dedication to the best interest of his family, self-sacrifice, and a good dose of ornery fun.  In 1995, Bob welcomed his second child, his son Noah Christopher Gilmore.  Bob’s poetry reflects how fatherhood transformed the direction of his life, writing: “Because you two are what makes my world go round, without you I just wouldn’t be; And for you two I would gladly climb the highest mountain or swim the deepest sea.” Bob’s dedication to providing for his children and his steadfast character are evidenced in his 35-year career with UPS.  His children each credit Bob with crafting their characters and molding them into the people they have become today.  A dedicated and loving father, Bob leaves behind his legacy in his children.  His daughter Kelsey lives with her husband Kyle Houston and their two beautiful children Finley and Hayden in Ozark, Missouri.  His son, Noah Gilmore lives in Dodge City, Kansas with his wife, Paige Gilmore and Bob’s two “grand dogs.”

Bob also is remembered and missed by his longtime partner Kathy Landholt and her daughter Rachel Kegel, her husband Chris Kegel, and their two children Luke and Riley, who along with Finley and Hayden know Bob as “Grandpa.”  Bob spent many happy days travelling with Kathy.  Together they enjoyed scouring estate sales for treasures and going on road trips across the county, including travelling back to Kathy’s original home in Louisville, Kentucky and visiting Chris and Rachel in St. Louis, Missouri.  Bob and Kathy also enjoyed caring for their home, planting flowers and trees, watching birds, and making their backyard and porch their sanctuary.  Neighbors knew to find Bob and Kathy at the back of the house.

Bob is survived by his partner Kathy Landholt; his children Kelsey (Kyle) Houston and Noah (Paige) Gilmore; Kathy’s daughter Rachel (Chris) Kegel; and his grandchildren Finley Houston, Hayden Houston, Luke Kegel and Riley Kegel.

Visitation will be held at Greenlawn funeral home on Thursday, March 21^st from 4:00PM to 9:00PM.  The address of the funeral home is 3506 North National, Springfield, MO 65803.

Funeral service will begin at 1:00PM on Friday, March 22^nd at Clear Creek Baptist Church at 7600 W. Farm Rd. 108, Springfield, MO 65802 with burial to follow at Clear Creek Cemetery on West Farm Road 108, Springfield, MO 65802.

Those wishing to make memorial commemoration may plant a tree in Bob’s honor on their own or by visiting this link: Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees | Legacy.com or donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Bob’s name.