(From Parker Mortuary)William “Bill” Everett Gilstrap, a man of profound faith and boundless love for his family, passed away on September 18, 2025, in Joplin, MO. He was born on October 20,1944, in Wichita, KS, to the late Robert L. & Fern E. (Jones) Gilstrap.
Bill’s love for God was paramount, and it was this love that he instilled in every aspect of his life. Bill’s devotion to his family was evident in every smile, every embrace, and every word of encouragement he shared.
Bill attended Joplin schools graduating in 1962. He then graduated from Joplin Jr. College (MSSU) and Kansas State College of Pittsburg (PSU). Bill was Honorably discharged from the US Army Reserve in 1969 and was a member of the Joplin American Legion Post 13. His professional career began at Missouri Rogers in Joplin, 20 years as a Senior Process Engineer at McNally Pittsburg Mfg. and retirement came after 25 years as Iron Powder Production Manager/ Supervisor for Eagle Picher Industries.
An avid sports fan, Bill’s enthusiasm for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the Mickey Mantle era of the New York Yankees was infectious. He also enjoyed his cattle, traveling and fishing. He enjoyed various positions at churches including teacher, deacon and song leader. Although work was a significant part of his life, it was his unwavering faith that truly defined him. A long-time deacon and member of Forest Park Baptist Church, he lived his beliefs through action, offering guidance and support to all who knew him.
As a 50-year member of the Masonic Order, Bill held many seats including - Past Master Joplin Lodge 335 (Sec’y of Joplin Lodge 20 yrs); Past District Deputy Grand Master; Past High Priest; Illustrious Master; Commander of the York Rite; Member Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH); 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite; Past Sovereign Red Cross Constantine (St. Andrews); Grand Cross of Color former Member (Rainbows).
His “stories” often filled with humor and wisdom were a “gift” to those who had the pleasure of listening and his legacy as a “storyteller” will live on in the hearts of many. On November 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Linda (O’Banion) Gilstrap. To this union, they were blessed with 2 children, Kelly and Jolene.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his children, Kelly Gilstrap of Kansas City, MO and Jolene Sapp (Roger) of Joplin; his grandchildren, Jeseca Tourigny (Ryan) of Joplin, and Sameah Stevenson of Lawrence, KS; and his great-grandson Jenson Tourigny.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Fern E. (Jones) Gilstrap: siblings, Bob Gilstrap of Kansas City, Treva Dawson of Webb City, and Janice Garrett of Carl Junction.
A funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, MO. The family invites friends out for a time of visitation at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial at Burkhart Cemetery Racine, MO at a later date. The service will be live streamed on Parker Mortuary's Facebook Page.
Arrangements and cremation are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.
An avid sports fan, Bill’s enthusiasm for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the Mickey Mantle era of the New York Yankees was infectious. He also enjoyed his cattle, traveling and fishing. He enjoyed various positions at churches including teacher, deacon and song leader. Although work was a significant part of his life, it was his unwavering faith that truly defined him. A long-time deacon and member of Forest Park Baptist Church, he lived his beliefs through action, offering guidance and support to all who knew him.
As a 50-year member of the Masonic Order, Bill held many seats including - Past Master Joplin Lodge 335 (Sec’y of Joplin Lodge 20 yrs); Past District Deputy Grand Master; Past High Priest; Illustrious Master; Commander of the York Rite; Member Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH); 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite; Past Sovereign Red Cross Constantine (St. Andrews); Grand Cross of Color former Member (Rainbows).
His “stories” often filled with humor and wisdom were a “gift” to those who had the pleasure of listening and his legacy as a “storyteller” will live on in the hearts of many. On November 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Linda (O’Banion) Gilstrap. To this union, they were blessed with 2 children, Kelly and Jolene.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his children, Kelly Gilstrap of Kansas City, MO and Jolene Sapp (Roger) of Joplin; his grandchildren, Jeseca Tourigny (Ryan) of Joplin, and Sameah Stevenson of Lawrence, KS; and his great-grandson Jenson Tourigny.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Fern E. (Jones) Gilstrap: siblings, Bob Gilstrap of Kansas City, Treva Dawson of Webb City, and Janice Garrett of Carl Junction.
A funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, MO. The family invites friends out for a time of visitation at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial at Burkhart Cemetery Racine, MO at a later date. The service will be live streamed on Parker Mortuary's Facebook Page.
Arrangements and cremation are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.
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