Robert Gilmore

Robert Aaron Gilmore of Mountain Home went on to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 18, 2017. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, great papa, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. He had a wonderful smile, a twinkle in his blue eyes, an infections humor, a gentle heart and a strength that will be remembered and missed by all of us who knew and loved him!

Robert was born Nov. 5, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, Ark., to Clarington and Cleo Gilmore. He was one of nine children. As a young boy, his family moved to the Oregon Coast. They lived there for a number of years before returning to Arkansas.

At the age of 17, Robert joined the U.S. Navy, where he would earn his GED. In 1950, he was assigned to the USS Valley Forge Aircraft Carrier during the Korean Conflict.

He continued to serve through three tours of Vietnam while assigned to the USS CVA63 Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier. He retired from the Navy in 1973 at the rank of AMHC Chief Petty Officer.

He would go on to attend college and work an assortment of different jobs, including being a mechanic and teaching aviation mechanics. Robert would eventually go on to meet and marry the love of his life, Sandy, in 1986, and they would blend a family of nine children.

They were happily married for nearly 31 years. Together, they hunted, fished and vacationed on the Oregon Coast and down in Southern California. They traveled to many states and enjoyed seeing all the sites.

Because of their blended family, they would live in Washington, Arkansas and Idaho, so they could truly enjoy their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Being known as Papa and Uncle, was a great joy in Robert's life and he never met a baby that didn't instantly love him! His hobbies included wood working, hunting, fishing (Catfish Annie was his best fishing buddy), playing games, watching baseball and reading while studying his Bible to learn all that he could about the word of God.

Robert was a devout Christian that would help lead others to understand the grace of the Lord. He passed away gently with peace, surrounded by love. At his side was his loving wife and youngest daughter.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sandy Kendall Gilmore; nine children, daughter Luci and Rose Gilmore of Hawaii, son Fred and Lydia Gilmore of Washington, daughter Tonya and Sam Ishii of Washington, son David and Stacey Deal of Idaho, son Anthony and Debi Deal of Idaho, son Rob and Ronnie Gilmore of Missouri, son Don and Chris Gilmore of Massachusetts, son Brad Gilmore of Washington, daughter Kristina and Tony Jewett of Arkansas; 26 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He's also survived by his brothers Frank Gilmore of Missouri and Merle and Esther Gilmore of Arkansas; sisters Georgia Gilmore of Arkansas, Rose Ann Dorris of Arkansas, Lewis and Wayne Christenberry of Arkansas and Beth and Charles Fleming of Arkansas; special cousin Brenda Sue and Melvin Bailey of Arkansas; uncle Austin Gilmore of California and numerous nieces and nephews; and also his very sweet and faithful dog, Baby.

He was preceded in death by both parents and three sisters, Jimmie Melvina, Lillie Alliene and Gloria May.

A military graveside inurnment will be held in Arkansas at a later date. Cremation under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to Treasure Valley Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Treasure Valley Hospice, 1000 North 3rd East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.