Don Gilleland

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Eugene Gilleland, age 87, Joplin, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Don was born February 20, 1937, in Turley, OK, son of the late Lester Elsworth Gilleland and Alice Rebecca (Luton) Gilleland. He grew up in Owasso, OK, where he attended school before enlisting in the United States Navy; where he honorably served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with V device (for Valor) and a Combat Action Ribbon before retiring in 1974 after 20 years of service.

He lived in California after his retirement from the Navy and began a career in the Oil Fields. He moved to Bronson, KS, in 1978 and continued working in the Oil Fields until his retirement from that career. In 2005, he moved to Joplin, MO, where he enjoyed playing pool and dominos with friends at the Joplin Senior Center.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years with his beloved dog. He also enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. He was an avid pool player who played in senior tournaments all over the four-state area. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a brother, L.C. Gilleland, a sister, Mary Denham and an infant daughter Tina Lenore Gilleland.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Linda (Jansen) Gilleland of Joplin, MO; daughters, Rebecca White and husband Russell of Yuma, AZ, Theresa Ukena and husband John of Carthage, MO, and Patricia Hopson and husband Kurt of Joplin, MO; six grandchildren: Andrew, Sarah, Russell Jr., Jeremiah, Dylan, and Morgan; three great-grandchildren with one on the way; several nieces and nephews.

Don will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS, with full military honors at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV