Joseph A. Gilmore

Joseph Arthur Gilmore passed away on October 22nd, 2014 at Chapman Nursing home after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Laurie Barnes officiating, burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will take place Monday, October 27, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street. Memorial contributions have been designated to the First United Methodist Church, 804 N. Jefferson Street, Junction City, KS 66441.

He was born on November 16th, 1928 at Omaha, Nebraska to Helen Nora Bailor and James C. Gilmore. He was the fourth of five children with 2 older sisters, 1 older and 1 younger brother. Joe skipped 3rd and 8th grade and had the highest score in his school for the 7th grade ability test. Despite his aptitude, he dropped out of school in 11th grade for a job at the Omaha Steel Mill. In 1945, when Joe was 16 years old, James and Helen moved to Beatrice, Nebraska. Joe remained in Omaha and lived with his older sister, Kay. The steel mill closed down and Joe made a life changing decision; he joined the Army on September 20th, 1946. He was almost 18 years old. He intended to serve for 3 years, because the GI bill had passed which would pay for college.

He was sent to Korea for 3 months then on to Japan for 3 years (1946-49). At this point he re-enlisted and in 1950, he went to Germany for 3 years and then to Ft. Riley in 1953. One fateful day in Beatrice (visiting his parents) he met Carlye, a young teacher, at a coffee shop. They were married 5 months later on June 27th, 1954. She joined him in Ft. Riley and their first daughter, Rita, was born in 1958. He was sent to Korea by himself in 1961 for 1 year, leaving his family to stay with Carlye's parents. After his return, Karen, their second daughter, was born in 1963 and 6 months later the family moved to Germany for 3 years. They returned to Ft. Riley and Joe retired after 20 years of service on September 1st, 1968.

During his Army career, he served in various jobs, beginning with 1 year in infantry, moving on to 5 years in the Airborne as a regimented supply sergeant. His final position was at G4 post headquarters managing logistics. He retired as a Sergeant Major. After his Army retirement, Joe attended Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in business. With this education, he was hired into the civil service November 1972 initially working in the Central Accounting Office, later as the Installation Club Manager, and finally as Chief of Community Operations. He retired a second time on February 1st, 1995. He was 66 years young. Even after his second retirement, he continued to support military and civil service workers by serving 5 years as the president of NARF. Later he also served on the Ft. Riley Retiree Council, 2 years as vice-president, and then 2 years as President.

He and Carlye spent their retirement years traveling, visiting family out of state. Among their many trips, they often visited Washington State to see Rita, her husband Tim, and their children Nick, Meghan, Allie Jo, and Sean. One of the best trips was a road trip in the camper accompanied by Karen and her husband, John, to the Washington Coast to celebrate Joe and Carlye's 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2004. Carlye and Joe enjoyed another 5 years together until her death in December, 2009.

Joseph is survived by his daughters, Rita Koester of Edgewood, WA, Karen Carroll of Chapman, and his grandchildren, Nick, Meghan, Allie Jo, and Sean Koester, and son-in-laws Tim Koester and John Carroll. Carlye's sisters, Sharon Rehm of Dewitt, Nebraska and Jo Henke of Crete, Nebraska, remained in close contact with Joe until his death. He is also survived by his older sister, Kay Thompson of Las Vegas, Nevada, but was preceded in death by his other siblings, Jack Gilmore, Carol Lake, and William (Bill) Gilmore.

Sergeant Major (Ret) Joseph Gilmore dedicated his life to supporting the Army. He was a quiet man, letting his wife, Carlye, do most of the talking (especially on the telephone). He had a wicked sense of humor, keeping those around him laughing. He will be sorely missed.