Robert E. Gilkerson, 83, of Independence, MO (formerly of Reserve, KS), passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at his residence. He was born Aug. 8, 1930 at Reserve to the late Ralph and Neva (Tolles) Gilkerson.
Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force on June 17, 1948 at Kansas City, MO. He served as a supply clerk. He was discharged on May 11, 1950 at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
On March 16, 1952 he married Gerry Carpenter at Kansas City, MO.
Robert was raised in Reserve and graduated from the Reserve High School in 1948; upon being discharged from service he attended Highland (KS) Junior College and graduated with a degree in business. When married the couple established their home in Kansas City and he worked as a bookkeeper for the Kansas City Star for over 40 years, retiring in 1992; they then moved to Livingston, TX and traveled in an RV throughout the United States as members of the Good Sam Travel Club and Escapee’s Camping Club until 2010 when they moved to their current home. He was a member of the East Side Baptist Church in Independence, MO.
Robert is survived by his wife, Gerry, of Independence; son, Don (Verlee), of Kearney, MO; daughter, Dena (Gary) Ridenour, of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and a sister.
Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Gilkerson officiating.Interment in Steele Cemetery.The family greeted friends at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 at the East Side Baptist Church, 19901 E. 78 Hwy., Independence, MO 64057, with Rev. Don Claphan officiating.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations in Robert Gilkerson’s name be made to Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas, 6400 Prospect Ave, Suite 300B, Kansas City, MO 64132. Phone: (816)444-2800 or (800) 972-5163.
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