George Gilmore

George M. Gilmore

On December 31, 2020, George M. Gilmore, age 104, passed away at his home in Columbia, SC. George, the sixth of seven sons of Thomas and Ardelle Gilmore, was born February 13, 1916 in the Valley Brook community south of Overbrook where he shared in all the faming chores. He attended Valley Brook grade school and graduated in 1934 from Overbrook Rural High School where he was senior class president. George attended Kansas University for 5 years and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, with additional education at University of Colorado, Denver University, and study of French in France.

During WWII, he worked 11 years for Gates Rubber Company in research and design. When he joined Lake Cherokee Tennessee project in Research, Design, and Development, he led the design and development of roads, land plots, lakes, etc. In 1958, he joined the Department of Defense where he served as Chief of Requirements and Maintenance, and as Chief of Distribution Resource Branch in Distribution Division, HQ AAFES. His managerial abilities, his initiative and expertise resulted in major operational and organizational improvements that provided substantial savings and improved service. In this capacity, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. For his service his name is inscribed on the National World War II monument in Washington, D.C.

While living in Colorado and Europe, he was an accomplished skier serving on ski patrol both in Colorado and Switzerland. 

In 1969, he transferred to Dallas, Texas where he worked with the logistics of a supply system with a focus on Vietnam and transportation of goods to all bases, warehouses, truck lines, etc. All his life, he was a dedicated supporter of our troops.

George was a proud 32nd degree Mason for 76 years, joining in 1944 and serving as lodge master while living in Germany.  

He was grateful for his life of 104 years, and most recent residence in Wildewood Downs Retirement Community. He was an excellent golfer, a super bridge player, a patriot, and a solid friend. His loving wife, Jerry Bowrosen Gilmore, whom he married on October 12, 1984, preceded him in death November 16, 2006. He was also preceded in death by brothers Forest, Willis, Montague, Britte, Harold, and Solon, as well as his parents, some nieces and nephews. He is survived by Michaele G. Lemrow, Shannon L. Silkensen, Justin C. Lemrow, nephews Philip and Bill Gilmore, Jack Gilmore, nieces Betty Lou Davis and Pam Gibson, great nephews, great nieces, and many other loved ones. He was blessed with family, friends, and the joy of living.

George will be buried in the future in Valley Brook Cemetery, south of Overbrook, KS with his wife, several of his brothers, his parents, his grandparents, and other relatives.

One of his favorite poems was “The Children’s Hour” by Longfellow.

​“…I will put you down

​Into the round tower of my heart

​And there I will keep you forever,

​Yes, forever and a day…”

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