Wilford Wayne Gillham's Obituary
Wilfred Wayne Gillham, age 89, passed away at Diversicare in Chanute, KS on Feb. 14, 2015. Wayne was born on Jan. 28, 1926 in Bayard, KS; the son of Walker Albert and Martha Viola (Stark) Gillham. He was raised in Bayard, attending country school for eight years and then high school in Mildred, KS.
Shortly after high school Wayne was drafted into the United States Army, serving in WWII. When he returned from his tour of duty he married Ruth (Spillman) on Sept. 1, 1948 in Mapleton, KS; they shared 66 years of marriage. The couple was blessed with three sons: Terry, Rex, and Charles. The family made their home in Humboldt, KS and Wayne began working for Monarch Cement Company doing various jobs in the quarry. He was with the company for nearly 41 years before his retirement. During his time at Monarch Wayne belonged to the United Cement Lime and Gypsum Worker’s Union, serving as their Financial Secretary. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Humboldt where he also served as a deacon.
Wilfred Wayne Gillham was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Eileen Gillham, Velma Lucas, Vera Kamping, Gilbert Wells and Wendell Gillham. He is survived by his wife Ruth (Spillman) Gillham of the home in Humboldt; his children: Terry Gillham and wife Beth of Taylor, TX, Rex Gillham and wife Peggy of Haughton, LA, and Charles “Chuck” Gillham and wife Linda of Plevna, KS. Wayne is also survived by five granddaughters and their spouses: Tammy Burden, Jennifer Anderson, Alisha Blankenship, Becky Diller and Colette Dahmer, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters; also, by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
The family will meet with friends the evening prior to the service; Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 from 4:00-6:00PM at Countryside Funeral Home- Humboldt Chapel. Funeral services for Wayne are planned for Thursday, Feb, 19, 2015 at 10:30AM at Humboldt First Baptist Church; burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Humboldt and may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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