Richard Gilliland, 72, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Windsor Place in Iola.
He was born March 1, 1947 to Roy Gilliland and Peggy Farris Gilliland at Kansas City, Kan. He grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1965.
He was in the Navy and spent 18 months in Vietnam.
He married Marie Bell and they had three children. They later divorced. In September 1983 he married Rhoda Smith.
He worked for Iola Fire Dept. for 15 years and eight years for Allen County as a truck driver. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and shooting the breeze with anyone who would listen.
He is survived by his wife of the home, mother Peggy Gilliland of Iola, sister Marsha Storrer and husband Kenny of Iola, two daughters Michelle White and husband Gary, Lyons and Angie Luedke and husband Brent, Colony; two sons Chuck Gilliland and wife Tina, and Troy Smith and wife Lisa; 10 grandchildren: Jaci Leadford and husband Matt of Durrant, Okla., Britany Catron and husband Matt of Pierce, Colo., Cassidy Sellman and partner Cory Drake of Yates Center, Kami Luedke and Trewit Luedke of Colony, Jesse Gilliland, Nick Lehman and wife Ana of Iola, Christian Ingroum of New Braunfels, Texas, Parker Smith and Eli Smith of Iola; four great-grandsons: Kolten and Clayton Drake, Keaton Lehman and Lincoln Leadford.
He was preceded in death by his father Roy Gilliland and a great grandson son, Nicholas Lehman Jr.
There will be a celebration of life at noon Tuesday in the fellowship hall of the First Christian Church 1608 Oregon Road, Iola. In lieu of flowers, send memorials to LaHarpe VFW c/o Maggie Barnett 1316 N. Cottonwood, Iola KS 66749.
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