Darlene Gilmore

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Darlene Maxine Gilmore age 87 of Carl Junction, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Westgate Nursing in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on February 1, 1935 in Garner, Iowa the 3rd of 13 children to Carl John Patro and Florence Mae (Cowgill) Patro. 

Darlene worked as a caregiver. She provided in-home care to numerous people that became part of her extended family. 

Darlene married Vernon on November 2, 1953 and they had 3 children. There were raised on a farm in Britt, Iowa until moving to Collins in 1971. They divorced in 1978. She then met and married Charles in 1979 he died shortly after in 1980. 

Darlene then moved to Missouri where she met Willard and they married on December 3, 1986 and moved to Carl Junction. Willard passed away in 2010 with Darlene by his side. They had worked together for many years opening their home to provide in-home care. 

Darlene was a grandmother to many children telling them stories and making them laugh. She enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes, cards and camping. She quilted and crocheted making many blankets for her family. She lived with Angela and Derrick for many years after retirement until moving into a nursing home in 2018. 

During that time, you could see her in a scooter pulling a grandchild around or adding a little blue “Kaboom” to her hairstyle. She was loved and will be missed deeply. 

She is survived by her children, Dale Fillenwarth, Patricia Viers, Cammy Golly and husband Steven; siblings, Virgil (Butch) Patro and wife Marletta, Louie Patro and wife Shirley, Jerry Patro, David Patro, Wayne Patro, LaNeal Patro, Gail Lacey and husband Roger, Chris Petersen and wife Christy; grandchildren, Angela Rowden and husband Derrick, Justin Oleson, Craig Golly, Benny Bethal, Ginger Fillenwarth-Clark, Kaylee Gilmore, Allison Palmer, Shelby Palmer; great grandchildren, Kolbe, Cheyene, Karlee, Kyle, Theotrie, Morgan, Keylieanna, Sebastian, Teagan, Raycin, Frederick (Kenny), Carcyn, Jaxcyn, Sabriina, Dixie, Braydyx, Katelynn, Jozlan, Laney, and Emma; sister in laws, Shirley Patro and Carol Nielson; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Marcel (Larry) Patro and wife Gail Patro, Kenneth Patro, Roger Patro, Donnie Patro, Diane Patro; husbands, Vernon Fillenwarth, Charles Potter, Willard Gilmore; and a granddaughter, Jessica Fillenwarth; and a sister in law, Linda Patro. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the chapel of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The funeral service will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Enoch Leakey officiating . Burial will follow services in Carterville Cemetery. 

Honoring her life as pallbearers will be William Nelson, Theotrie Archie, Kolbe Rowden, Kyle Rowden, Nathan Vanderpool, and Jozlon Randall. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.