Obituary of Bert Gillenwater

Bert I. “Bill” Gillenwater, age 92, long-time resident of Coweta passed away peacefully Sunday evening, December 30, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital South in Tulsa, OK. Bert was born on February 26, 1920 in Weir, KS and was the son of Bert Allen and Hazel (Scott) Gillenwater. Bert lived on a 160 acre farm which he farmed with his family. Bert was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and was honorably discharged in 1945. Bert served in Aleutian, Central Pacific, South Philippines and Okinawa, Ryukyu Island where he was wounded in action in May 1945. After his military career, he re-entered the road construction work field and remained in this field until his retirement in the early 90’s. Bert met Kathryn Linn at a diner in Sayre, OK and they were united in marriage on May 11, 1952 in Tucumcari, New Mexico and Kathryn preceded in death on December 18, 2012. In December of 1967, he and Kathryn moved to the Coweta area from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bert owned and operated Gillenwater and Son Construction Company. Due to his road construction career, his enjoyment after retirement was to rebuild motors, small equipment and cars. Bert liked to tinker and you would find him outside or in the garage whenever you came looking for him. During their retirement years, Bert and Kathryn enjoyed traveling through Europe and many US states. Bert enjoyed joking with his kids and grandkids, even great grandkids and friends. The family has many stories about Bert that they will cherish forever. Bert grew up in the depression, so making money was always an interest to him. Bert enjoyed watching western movies as a pastime. Bert is lovingly survived by his son, Dennis Gillenwater of Sayre, OK; his daughters, Juanita Edwards of Broken Arrow, OK, Margie Gillenwater of Tulsa, OK, Sharon Reed and husband, Terry, of Porter, OK, Diana Fletcher and husband, Garry, of Chattanooga, TN and Carol Parker and husband, Robert, of Tulsa, OK; his grandchildren, Jason Gillenwater and wife, Lisa, of Ocean Springs, MS, Jeffrey Edwards and wife, Jenni, of Bixby, OK, Les Reed of Thornton, CO, Annie Gillenwater of Tulsa, OK, Amanda Voyles and husband, Rusty, of Coweta, OK, Julie Edwards of Monroe, MI and Lauren, Lindsey, Madison and Michael Fletcher of Chattanooga, TN; his great grandchildren, Lane and Caitlin Gillenwater of Ocean Springs, MS, Allison, Maggie, Lucas and Evie Edwards of Bixby, OK and Ava and Michael (Mikey) Voyles of Coweta, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, other relatives and friends. Bert was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Gillenwater, his parents, one grandson, Daren Young, two sisters, Evelynn (Faye) Gillenwater and Juanita (June) Dubose, three brothers, Henry Gillenwater, Al Gillenwater and Ray Gillenwater. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, January 4, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Wright-Brown Family Funeral Home Chapel in Coweta, OK with Pastor Brian Gilbert officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Vernon Cemetery in Coweta. Pallbearers are Jason Gillenwater, Lane Gillenwater, Rusty Voyles, Jeff Edwards, Les Reed, Garry Fletcher and Michael Fletcher. Honorary Pallbearers are Mitch Edwards, David Quayle, Alvin Copeland, Michael Martin and Timmy Demmitt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Evergreen Hospice, 9916 E. 43rd St. # E, Tulsa, OK 74146 or Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. – Chapter One, 907 S. Detroit, Tulsa, OK 74120. The family would like to specially thank Bert’s caregivers Karen Roberts and Timmy Demmitt. The family of Bert Gillenwater entrusted his care and services to Wright-Brown Family Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515. Family and friends may sign the guest book online @ www.wrightbrownfunerals.com.