Gene Leonard Gilmore

Gene Leonard Gilmore, 81, of Washington, died Thursday, September 6, 2012. He was born January 5, 1931, in Washington, a son of Everett Russell Gilmore and Gertrude Cain Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore was a life-long resident of Washington. In 1949, he graduated from Washington High School, where he was a drummer for the school’s marching band. On April 7, 1952, he married Deloris Ann Henderson of Washington, who survives. In April they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. As a young man, he was a Boy Scout. He hand-built his Soap Box Derby car, named “The Last Minute,” which won the local Washington Soap Box Derby in 1946. He went on to race it at Nationals in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Gilmore enjoyed working mechanically on cars and traveling in an RV. He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in the motor pool, Company 865, Triple A Battalion. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on July 26, 1954, with a rank of Corporal. Mr. Gilmore retired from Bell Atlantic, having served nearly 40 years as both an installer and later as a switchman in the central office in Washington. He was a member of Avery United Methodist Church, where he previously served as a lay leader, and Bell Pioneers. For several years he was a volunteer fireman for North Franklin Township. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Gary Gilmore and wife, Magene, of Kennewick, Washington, and Marcia Petrick and husband, Thomas, of Hermitage. Mr. Gilmore was the proud grandfather of Aaron Sworden of Washington, Adam Sworden of Crown Point, Indiana, and Emily Gilmore and Lacey Gilmore, both of Dallas, Texas. He was also the beaming great-grandfather of Allison Jean Sworden. Deceased are four brothers, his fraternal twin Jack Lawrence, Mansell, George and Robert Gilmore; and a sister, Ruby Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore was the last of his immediate family. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 15th, in the chapel in Washington Cemetery. Those planning to attend should meet at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Avery United Methodist Church, Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital, or North Franklin Township Fire Department.