Harold, the next to youngest of eight children, was born on December 11, 1932, in rural Milo, MO to Reuben A. Gilmore and Hattie M. Fenton Gilmore. He attended grade school in the Sandstone community, two years of high school in Milo, and two years in Nevada where he graduated in 1950.
Harold enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and served four years on the Aircraft Carrier USS Princeton during the Korean War, joining three of his brothers who were also serving on the same ship.
After his discharge from the Navy in December 1955 he met the love of his life, Marjorie Attebery in January 1956. Following a short courtship, they were married on July 14, 1956, celebrating their 67th anniversary in July. To this union were born three children; Janet Friar (Dave), Jerry Gilmore (Diane), and Julie Becker (Tony).
Harold was a hard worker and had a varied employment history from over the road semi driver, Foremost Dairy, Town Talk Bread, Horton Construction, to manager of Food Fair Grocery in Mound City, Kansas.
Harold was a member of the Church of Christ in Nevada, attending regularly until his decline in health. He loved his family dearly and will be sadly missed.
He enjoyed hunting quail, turkey, and deer, but his real passion was fishing with his buddies or family. He also was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harold is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Marge) of the home; daughter, Janet Friar (Dave) of El Dorado Springs, son, Jerry Gilmore (Diane) of Nevada, and daughter, Julie Becker (Tony), also of Nevada; grandchildren, Chadd Friar (Tara), Jason Friar (Tansy), Miranda Underwood (Matt), Kristi Cartwright (Tim), Keri Smith, Kelli Cooper (Richard), Kourtni Russell (K.C.), and Erica Hall; and he also is survived by 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Hattie Gilmore; brothers, George, Roy, Delmar, and Dean; sisters, Ruby Cartwright, Ruth Langston, and Della Price.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Church of Christ in Nevada with Bro. Dick Harris officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Milo Cemetery, Milo, MO. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Nevada Church of Christ or Fair Haven Children’s Home c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
