Lawrence H. Gillham

Lawrence H. Gillham, age 88, of Moran, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at Moran Manor in Moran, Kansas. He was born on September 14, 1920 on a farm east of Bayard, Kansas, the son of Charles Laurel and Irma Irita (Zornes) Gillham. He attended school at Bayard and Moran and spent his teen years with his Granddad and Grandmother on the farm at Bayard. He worked in Iowa as a farm hand and returned to Moran working in the oil fields. Lawrence was inducted into the U.S. Army in September 1943, serving with the 80th Infantry Division Battery C. 315th Field Artillery Battalion. During his tour, he landed at Normandy, crossed Northern France and was present at the Ardennes Offensive, known as the Battle of the Bulge. He qualified as a sharpshooter and received the following decorations and citations, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Metal, EAME Theater Ribbon and one Silver Service Star. Returning to Moran after his discharge, he married Winona Jefferis in 1948 at Girard, Kansas. His working life was spent as a drilling rig operator with Mack Colt and later Nevitt Drilling. He was a caretaker of the MKT Rod and Gun Club Lake north of Moran for many years and drove a school bus for the Moran District for 18 years. He had no hobbies but spent many hours as the town handyman doing various projects for many people within the area. Lawrence was a 50 year Mason at Marmaton Lodge at Moran. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Winona Gillham in 1986; one brother, Ben Gillham; two sisters, Juanita and Margie; one step-son Robert Rhodes. Lawrence is survived by his son, Johnny Gillham and his wife Sue of Humboldt, Kansas; two grandchildren, Mike Gillham and John Gillham; two great grandchildren; four step grandchildren, Bill Rhodes, Bob Rhodes, Dennis Rhodes, and David Rhodes; and several step great grandchildren. He had been in declining health and resided in Moran Manor for the past two years. Graveside memorial services will be held on Thursday November 20, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Moran Cemetery, Moran, Kansas; Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Masonic Foundation or to the Oncology Clinic at KU Medical Center and may be left in care of the funeral home.