Frank Max Gilmore

Frank Max Gilmore, Sr., 93, Republic, passed away at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 in Cox Medical Center South, following a brief illness. He was born Feb. 11, 1927 in Willard, to Frank and Gertrude (Pickering) Gilmore. He was one of eight children in the home. Gilmore was a lifelong resident of both the Willard and Republic areas.
Gilmore graduated from Central High School in 1945 where he loved sports, playing both football and basketball. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army for two years and then sailed with the Merchant Marines for an additional four years. When he returned home, Max met Betty June Stroud, and they were married on March 31, 1956. Max and Betty shared 31 wonderful years until her passing in January of 1987.
Gilmore worked as a plumber for 37 years at both Jess Wood Plumbing and Heating and SECO, from 1953 until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 178 for 67 years. He had been a member and Deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church in
Springfield, for many years.
Gilmore is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Betty, son; Max “Maxie” Gilmore, grandson, Brandon Gilmore, stepson; Stevie Dodson, sisters: Maxine Smith, Wilda Willis, Morine Wilson and Florence Kime, and his brothers; Edwin, Richard and Harold Gilmore.
He is survived by his daughter; Faith Tracy and her husband Mark of Billings, step daughter; Sandy Dodson of Republic; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
A visitation was Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 from 5-6 p.m. in the chapel at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic with a celebration of life to follow at 6 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Wesley Cemetery, Willard.