Charles Gilmore

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Charles Dean Gilmore, age 84 of Baxter Springs, KS, passed away January 22, 2025 with his children by his side at Quaker Hill Nursing Home where he had been a resident for the past year.

Charles was born at home in Baxter Springs, KS on September 12, 1940 to the union of Blanche B. (Bowlby) Gilmore and Oliver James Elijah Gilmore. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School with the class of 1958. He held the high school's record in pole vaulting and discus for several years. That was back when the pole's didn't bend and the landing surface was a pile of sawdust.

He married the love of his life, Marjorie Marie Fitzpatrick on March 16, 1961 at Fifth Street Mission Church in Baxter Springs, KS where they met as toddlers. They were married 54 years, but were together hand in hand, until she passed in 2015. Their story was truly a lifelong love affair.

Charles worked at Bob Page Auto Supply until he went to work at Yellow Freight in Baxter Springs in 1967 where he held various positions in the mechanic shop until retiring in 1997. As a faith-filled man, he attended Empire Mission Church in Empire, KS for 46 years where he was the song-leader for over 30 years. That was his calling and he did it well. For the last 8 years, he attended New Hope Assembly Church in Joplin, MO. He enjoyed fishing especially while traveling in Colorado, and collecting model cars. He was a loving father and grandpa, and always loved family get-togethers. His family was most important to him.

He is survived by one son, Kevin Gilmore (wife, Robin) of Baxter Springs, KS; two daughters, Christie Mieseler (husband, Mike) of Sparta, MO, and Fallon Rafferty (husband, Robert) of Joplin, MO; five grandchildren, Kayla Edmondson (husband, Riley), Maleia Mieseler (fiancé, Logan Misner), Mattelin Mieseler, Malakai Simpson, and Daxten Rafferty; three great-grandchildren, Kylie Edmondson, Kensington Edmondson, and Kelsie Edmondson who lovingly referred to him as "Papa Mow"; one sister, Opal Harding of Blue Springs, MO; one brother, Jack Gilmore of Muskogee, OK; and a host of many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Blanche; his loving wife, Marjorie; two sisters, Peggy Watkins of Baxter Springs, and Donna Ellison of Lowell; and one stillborn son, Curtis James Gilmore.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena. Pastor Bob Winnett will officiate. Pallbearers serving will be Kevin Gilmore, Mike Mieseler, Mike Livingston, Riley Edmondson, Logan Misner, Tommy Edwards, and Alie Watkins. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery of Galena.

Visitation will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the funeral home from 6-8:00 PM.

The family would like to thank the staff of Quaker Hill for making dad feel like he was home by treating him with love and respect. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Quaker Hill Activity Fund.