May 3, 1932 - April 12, 2017
Edward John Gilmore, 84, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota. Ed was born May 3, 1932 in Compton, IL, the son of Ralph and Evelyn (Bauer) Gilmore. He was united in marriage to Donna Pfeifer on June 1, 1952 at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church.
His entire life, Ed farmed and raised hogs in Compton. He was a 4th generation farmer. Ed was named Master Farmer by the Prairie Farmer Magazine. He served as president of the Pork Producers Association, president of Lee County F.S., and was a member of the Lee County Farm Bureau. Ed served his community as a Brooklyn Township Trustee, as a board member of the Compton Fire Department, and also as a member of the Mendota school board. Ed was a member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church and served as chairman of the church board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Ed enjoyed collecting toy tractors and restoring Farmall tractors. He enjoyed tractor rides and driving his Model T. But more than anything, Ed enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.
Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Donna; two sons, Scott (Marianne) Gilmore and Steve (Debra) Gilmore; two granddaughters, Emily (Kyle) Kofoid and Ellyn (Matt) Schoenholz; three great-grandchildren, Edward Kofoid and Ella and Maverick Schoenholz; a step great-granddaughter, Kylie Kofoid; his brother, Chuck (Betty) Gilmore; his sister, Marilyn Tomsha; a brother-in-law, Jim Youssi; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by an infant son, Curtis; a sister, Sue Youssi; and a brother-in-law, Carl Tomsha.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M, Monday, April 17, 2017 at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Avenue, in Paw Paw.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the church with Pastor Dave Holden officiating. Interment will follow in Melugin Grove Cemetery Compton.
Memorials in Edward’s name may be directed to the Paw Paw United Methodist Church or N.I.C.E., (Neighbors in Christ Ecumenical) of Lee, IL.
Visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
My name is Tari Bradley and I am Gene and Vye’s youngest daughter. Even though I was young when we moved to Wisconsin, I still remember your beautiful farm and visiting it. I always of Ed and Donna as the kindest people as they were always so kind to me when I was little. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire extended Gilmore families. Our prayers go out for all of you at this difficult time.
Some of my fondest childhood memories come from time spent on the “Gilmore Farm”.
Vaccinating piglets,driving a tractor, picking rocks, always under the watchful eye of Ed.
A stern but gentle and generous man. My prayers go out to the entire family.
Our love, thoughts and prayers for you Donna and family. We have enjoyed seeing you both here at !st UMC Lakeland, FL.
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers, Ed was a wonderful man.