Ronald Rheo Gilmore

August 19, 1938 - November 27, 2020

Ronald Rheo Gilmore of Battle Creek formerly of Grand Ledge went to be with the Lord November 27, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born August 19, 1938 in Fife Lake, Michigan to the late Rheo and Mary (Hejnal) Gilmore. He graduated from Fife Lake High School Class of 1956 and proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam era. Ron worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Fisher-Body for 42 ½ years, retiring in 1998. As a result of Ron’s career in automobile manufacturing, he developed an appreciation for cars and enjoyed several trips to the Gilmore Car Museum. He was a great cook and baked specially themed cakes for almost every holiday throughout the year. He loved to spend time with his family and always looked forward to holidays, birthdays and special occasions. Ron was known as the “man behind the camera” who over the years has compiled an extensive library of special family moments in time that will be a visual family treasure for many years. He also loved to play the harmonica and keyboard. He will be remembered for his commitment to family and his faithfulness to God. He is survived by his son, Randy (Julie); daughter, Rhonda (Jeff) Fracassi; grandchildren, Caitlin (Chris) Hurban, Brittany (John) Chesney, Brandon (Jolynn) Gilmore, Blake Barber, Brielle Barber and Isabella Fracassi; great grandchildren, Ronan and Lennox Hurban; siblings, Claudina Cowherd, Gary (Sandy)Gilmore and Beverly (Bob) Evans along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon (Richardson) and sisters, Geraldine Gilmore and Carol Miller. A Celebration of Ron's Life will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at the Fife Lake United Methodist Church. A Military graveside service will follow the memorial service at Clark Cemetery, Springfield Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan. Memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be given to Family Life Radio, P.O. Box 35300, Tucson, Arizona 85740 (https://www.myflr.org/flr-share-dec-main/). Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.