Harold Gilpin's Obituary
Harold Edgar Gilpin, son of Robert and Mettie Jones Gilpin, was born February 13, 1922, in Avola, Iowa. He departed this life Thursday, December 11, 2008, in the Missouri Veterans Home, in Mount Vernon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years, nine months, and twenty-eight days. On September 29, 1945, he was united in marriage to Dessie A. Richardson Hays, and together they shared fifty-five years before her passing on December 14, 2000. On June 30, 2001, he was married to Gladys L. Long, who preceded him in death on November 20, 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Gladys Holiday. Harold is survived by a son, Robert Edward Gilpin, and his wife, Lynn, of Willard, Missouri; a step-son, Jim Hays, and his wife, Freida, of Lebanon, Missouri; four grandchildren, Debbie Lockwood, Monty Hays, Julie Forbis, and Michael Hooper; five great-grandchildren, Brooks, Brady, Avery, Libbee, and Hunter; two sisters, Hazel Holiday, and her husband, F.E., of Phillipsburg, Missouri, and Lois Forgey, of Rogersville, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born in Iowa and was raised in the Phillipsburg, Missouri community, where he graduated from Phillipsburg High School. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from December 4, 1942 until May 19, 1945, during World War II. He was part of the infantry that landed on Normandy and was also part of Northern France and German Campaigns. He was awarded three Bronze Campaign Stars along with several other medals at the time of his honorable discharge. After he and Dessie were married, they made their home in the Phillipsburg community, and lovingly raised their sons. For thirty years, Harold was a civil service mechanic at Fort Leonard Wood and also worked at the Darrell Martin Texaco Station during his early years. Harold was a faithful member of the Phillipsburg Christian Church for many years, and served as a Deacon. He worked with the youth program at the church and was very good at playing volleyball with the young people. In his spare time he greatly enjoyed fishing at Bennett Spring, and also liked watching car races. He was particularly a Larry Phillips racing fan. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, and was a gifted musician, playing both the guitar and the harmonica. He always kept an immaculate home and enjoyed caring for his house and yard. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harold was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 10:30 am Monday December 15, 2008 at the Phillipsaburg Christian Church. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday evening 4-5:30 pm at the funeral home under the direction of the Holman- Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the Phillipsburg Cemetery care fund. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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