Fred attended schools in Rich Hill, Hume, and Adrian. He had many talents, but his true calling was as a short-order cook. He was also a good plumber. Besides being known as a good plumber, Fred had the great ability to fix anything that needed fixing. He really enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with family and friends. Fred had a gift for caring for and loving elderly family and friends and people in the community.
Fred spent time in the Bible and loved God. He was a believer and hoped more people were. Fred also loved spending time and visiting his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Little people meant the world to him.
Fred was united in marriage to Georgia Karen Gilkey on February 28, 2013 in Nevada, Missouri. She preceded him in death on September 19, 2022.
Survivors include a sister, Carol Fillpot of Grain Valley, Missouri; brothers, Joe and Peggy Gilkey of Nevada, Missouri and Dewey Gilkey of Greensburg, Kansas; step-daughter, Wendy and Brett Sadler; grandchildren, Nicholas and Tiffany Vernon, and Trevor Reese; great-grandchildren, Domanic, Alyvia, and Emma Vernon; and Tyce and Tate Reese; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and a couple of great-great-nieces and -nephews. All were greatly loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Ray Gilkey and Della (Black) Douglas; his wife, Georgia (McNeely) Gilkey; one brother, John Gilkey; one sister, Lavona Bradley; niece, Chealsey Gilkey, and great-niece Hannah RoseMarie Lamb.
