Lawrence Gillman

Lawrence E. Gene Gillman, age 83, of Independence, Kansas died Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Regal Estates in Independence, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 18, 2010 at the St. Andrews Catholic Church with the Reverend Benjamin Shockey officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2010 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Reciting of the Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 17, 2010 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Regal Estates Activity Fund and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Lawrence E. Gene Gillman was born June 13, 1926 in Independence, Kansas to George and Lena Weingart Gillman. He grew up in Independence, Kansas and attended the Bates Country School. In 1947 Gene married Betty Muller and the couple later divorced. Gene worked for Atlas Cement Plant in Independence from 1952 to 1961. He then worked for Morrow Foundry in Coffeyville, Kansas from 1962 to 1996. Gene also farmed and was a horseman. On September 1, 1979 Gene married Rita Ann Sears in Dearing, Kansas. The couple made their home in rural Independence, Kansas. He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Independence, Kansas. Survivors include his wife Rita of the home two sons Larry Gillman of Independence, Kansas and Chris Gillman of Cherryvale, Kansas one step son Phil Sears of Grove, Oklahoma five daughters Pam McLaughlin of Cherryvale, Kansas, Peggy Warren of Wichita, Kansas, Paula Wilson of Congress, Arizona, Penny Stueve of Olpe, Kansas and Pearl Schoonover of Elk City, Kansas two sisters Mary Isle of Coffeyville, Kansas and Betty Malone of Independence, Kansas two brothers Darrell and Donald Gillman both of Coffeyville, Kansas 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.