Roy Albert Gilman (2006)

GILMAN, KETELSEN, MAPES

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 1/5/2008 at 09:09:16

Earlham Library Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa
September 2006

Roy A. Gilman, age 96, of Stuart, Iowa passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at Community Care Center in Stuart, where he had resided since earlier this year.

Roy Albert Gilman was born on May 3, 1910 to Henry A. and Dora (Ketelsen) Gilman near Earlham, Iowa. There he spent his childhood, on the family farm. He graduated from Earlham High School in 1927, and later graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Following graduation Roy taught Vocational Agriculture studies, and coached in several towns in northwest Iowa.

On August 22, 1934 Roy was united in marriage to Irene Mapes. They were blessed with three children, Howard, Lola Marie and Doris Jean. Roy served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and the family moved to Stuart, where Roy and Irene managed the American Hampshire Sheep Association office. Roy was also Secretary of the Association for many years and later served as a judge for the association in Christchurch, New Zealand. He retired in 1975.

Roy was a member of the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, were he was involved in many offices and activities through the years, and was the chairman of the building committee for the new church in the mid 1970's. He was also a member of the James C. McGhee American Legion Post in Stuart, and was instrumental in initiating the inception of Stuart's Community Care Center.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; both daughters, Lola and Doris; a sister, Margaret Gilman, and two brothers, Everett Gilman and Curtis Gilman.

He is survived by his wife Irene, of Stuart; a son, Howard Gilman and wife Joyce, of Menlo, Iowa; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl Gilman of Stuart and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held on September 25, 2006 at Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Chruch, with Rev. Kathy Sides officiating. Debbie Wilson sang "On Eagle's Wings". She was accomapnied by Janna Nelson.

Serving as casket bearers were Cary Gilman, Craig Gilman, Peter Gilman, Ben Gilman, Ray Frappier, and Tom Smull II.

The committal service and interment were at Penn Center Cemetery, Earlham, Iowa. Military honors were provided by James C. McGhee American Legion Post 146, of Stuart.

Professional arrangements by Ruppert Funeral Home of Stuart.