Gerald Duane Gilliland

Tombstone Photo
Dewey Cemetery
Dewey, Washington Co. OK

© Dennis Wilson

Obit posted by Ann Weber
Jun 29, 1933 - Mar 3, 2018

DAVIS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
DEWEY, WASHINGTON CO, OK
(permission granted)

Gerald Duane Gilliland, 84, US veteran, lifelong Dewey resident and retired Bartlesville firefighter, died Saturday in Dewey.

Gerald was born the son of Carl Edward and Bernice Maud (Phillips) Gilliland on June 29, 1933 in Dewey. He was raised in Dewey, graduating from Dewey High School with the Class of 1951. During his school days he was a natural at playing basketball. He eventually went on to play for three different colleges before giving it up due to his knee. Gerald served in the US Army during the Korean War and used his talent to play basketball all over Europe during his service years. He met and married Mary Elizabeth Sauer or “Moe” as she was affectionately known on May 31, 1957. Gerald enjoyed his 20 year career as a firefighter and rescue diver with the Bartlesville Fire Department, retiring as a captain in 1980. He was recognized by a vote of his peers as the first recipient of the Bartlesville Firefighter of the Year. Once retired he pursued his passion for running cattle and operating oil leases in three counties. Moe preceded him in death in 2003. Gerald found love for a second time marrying Patricia Ishem of Wichita, Ks.
Gerald loved the Lord. He studied the bible daily and took every opportunity to share God’s Word with those he met. He was strong-willed and followed God’s direction set out for his life. Gerald was a storyteller and had many stories about the experiences – big and small - that shaped his life. He loved his family and one special trip stood out when he and Moe took all of the grandkids in their motorhome to Seattle, Washington, to attend the Junior Olympics to watch his grandson Jared compete in the pole vault.

Gerald is survived by three children, Steven Michael Gilliland of Jenks, Lisa Minor and Mike of South Coffeyville, and Brenda Gilliland Remington and David of Dewey; wife Patricia Ishem; three brothers, Carl Edward Gilliland of Locust Grove, Dan Gilliland and Jane of Skiatook, and John Gilliland of Prattville; five grandchildren, Kelsi Swaim and Landon, Landon Minor and Amanda, Lauren Story and Thomas, Cody Gilliland and Connie Gilliland; and five great grandchildren, Emme, Cooper, Crew, Cal and Quinn.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Mary and one grandson Jared Minor in 2002.

Visitation will be held on Tues. 12-8 pm at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey.

Graveside services will be on Wed. March 7, at 10 am, at the Dewey Cemetery, with Mr. Jack Carter officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home.

Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Gerald’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Thank You For Your Service!