Ray Elbert Gilpin, 86, departed this life Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at his home in Climax Springs, Mo.
He was born May 30, 1922, in Jasper County, Mo., the son of “Dee” and Mamie Ellen Romines Gilpin.
His parents, two brothers, Roy Gilpin and Barney Gilpin and two grandsons, Joey Vaught and Shane Farmer, preceded him in death.
On March 8, 1967, in Miami, Okla., he was united in marriage to Frances Laura Meyer Farmer. United in love they blended their families and shared the past 41 years together.
Ray was raised in the Joplin, Mo. area and attended school at Enterprise Academy in Kansas. He served his country proudly during World War II in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and served as a medic.
He was a conscience objector and didn’t carry a weapon; however, he entered many dangerous situations to aid fallen soldiers.
He carried the white flag into a German POW camp to retrieve American troops and the operation was bombed by the enemy. He carried a soldier to safety and was awarded the Silver Star for bravery for going above and beyond the call of duty.
He was driving an ambulance that was attacked and his leg was severely injured. He was awarded a Purple Heart, a small award for a lifetime of suffering and pain.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Joplin, Mo., and later moved to Springfield, Mo., where he met Frances.
They made their home in Springfield and later moved to Sturgeon, Mo., where they lived for 18 years. He worked as a cabinet maker and builder for many years.
In 1986 they retired to the Lake of the Ozarks. After moving to the lake, he served as Camp Ranger at Camp Heritage in Climax Springs.
He was a member of the Climax Springs Kiwanis Club and a served on the school board of the Climax Springs R-IV School District.
He made a profession of faith in Christ at an early age and was a member of Golden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Clinton, Mo.
He and Frances served on mission trips to Indian Reservations and other parts of the United States. He helped build many churches through Maranatha Volunteers International.
In his spare time he enjoyed building, gardening and farming. He raised angora goats and emus.
Ray loved helping people, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. The way Ray lived his life was a testament of his love of the Lord.
Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his many accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he created for his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Gilpin of the home; eight children, Dr. Wayne Farmer and wife Irene of Mansquan, N.J., Raylene Vaughan of Neosho, Mo.; Warren Farmer of Republic, Mo.; Rodney Gilpin and wife Angie of Hartsburg, Mo.; Bill Farmer of Climax Springs ; Cathy Rautio and husband Bill of Butte, Mont.; Pat Vaught and husband Rick of Climax Springs; David Gilpin and wife Donna of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and Shawna Gilpin of Jefferson City Mo.; 23 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday in Ozark Memorial Park in Joplin. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Maranatha Volunteers International and left at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.
Climax Springs, Mo. —
