Gerald Gilstrap

(From Parker Mortuary)

Gerald Gene Gilstrap, age 90, of Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at his home.

Gerald, son of the late Noel and Ida Belle (Hill) Gilstrap, was born on January 13, 1933, in Racine, MO.

 
He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country honorably during the Korean War.

 

Soon after returning from the war, Gerald was united in marriage to Susan Deweese, and together they moved to Hammond, Indiana where they raised their family and Gerald worked in the steel mills. They later moved back to the Joplin area where he later owned and operated Slim & C’s Liquor Store until his retirement. 

Gerald “Bud” enjoyed boating and fishing on Grand Lake with friends and family. In later years he gained a multitude of new friends that he also considered family.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Susan Gilstrap; siblings, Nola Durbin and Marilyn Crouch; and one son, Floyd “Fee” Williams and his wife Debbie “Fuzz”; and two nephews Davey Durbin and Ronnie Crouch.

Survivors include his children, Jerry Gilstrap, of Carl Junction, Debra Scroggs, and her husband, Craig, of Joplin, and Cheryl Miller, and her husband, Victor, of Carl Junction; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.