Rev. Oscar Leland Gilmore

GILMORE, Rev. Oscar Leland, age 99, resident of Maryville, TN, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, in Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, October 20, 1907, son of Wilmer Chace Gilmore (d.1909) and Mary Phoebe Darlington (d.1923). He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Chace and Creston of West Chester, PA, and Russell of Columbus, OH. In 1923, he graduated from high school in West Chester, PA. The Rev. Mr. Gilmore was also a graduate of Maryville College (‘31), where he was a cheerleader and a member of the pre-ministerial club, and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (‘36). In his early years, Leland worked with his brother in a fruit and vegetable store and as a clerk in the grocery and wheelworks businesses. After his ordination, he served churches in Limestone and Sherrard, WV (1936-1940); Taos, NM (1940-1942); Frankfort, KY (1942-1951); Wheeling, WV (1951-1963); and Pineville, NC (1963-1966). The church in Taos was an unusual National Missions congregation including both Spanish and Anglo-American members. In Frankfort, the American Red Cross awarded him for World War II community service. His last position was in Maryville, TN, where he served as pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church and stated supply of Houston Memorial Presbyterian Church (1966-1973). He was also active on various committees and commissions of the Presbyteries. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Vera Wilson Gilmore, and six children: David (Elsie) of Baraboo, WI; Sylvia (Robert) Jefferies of Bloomington, IN; Charles (Thaya) of Orem, UT; Daniel (Sharon) of Marietta, GA; Donald (Ann) of Maryville, TN; and Stephen of Maryville, TN. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 9, at Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville. Memorial gifts may be sent to Highland Church, 721 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804 or Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville in charge 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com