Gillan Dean Robinson of Heavener, Oklahoma was born January 21, 1930 in Heavener, Oklahoma to William Shaler and Arnold Irene (Gillan) Robinson and passed away July 16, 2020 in Heavener, Oklahoma at the age of 90.
He is survived by:
One daughter:
Arminda Morales and husband Jesus of Poteau, Oklahoma
One son:
Preston Robinson and wife Kim of Heavener, Oklahoma
Three grandchildren:
Brianna Riddley and husband Phineas of Heavener, Oklahoma
Rachel Skelton of Poteau, Oklahoma
Gunnar Mangrum and wife Grace of Waco, Texas
Eight great-grandchildren:
Milaya, P.J., Azzlyn, Zayven, Saniah, and Zakyrah Riddley, and Corley Place, and Camden Place
His companion: Betty Burns of Heavener, Oklahoma
Her son: Marcus and Kimberly Burns of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Grandchildren: Anthony and Emily Burns
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bettye Jean (Stringer) Robinson of over 50 years, a great-grandson, Caden Place, and a great-granddaughter, Zarteshia Riddley. Gilly was a member of the First Baptist Church since 1946. He was a long-time Deacon, and served in other areas of the church, including: lawn care and driving the bus for the First Baptist Church Believers Group, traveling many miles and through many states. Gilly attended Eastern A&M in Wilburton, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. While attending college, he was drafted by the United States Army, serving as a medic in the Korean Conflict. After serving in the military, Gilly worked for ALG Gas Company in Shreveport, Louisiana for a short time, before becoming employed with the K.C.S. Railroad, where he worked for 41 years as a Brakeman/Conductor, retiring in 1991. Gilly loved the outdoors, making many trips with his hunting buddies to Colorado, taking horses and mules riding the Continental Divide three times, along with traveling in the Rocky Mountains. He loved life and people, telling anyone that would listen to all of his stories. Gilly will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at the Heavener First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with Brother Sam Dyer, Brother John Glinski, and Mr. Gunnar Mangrum officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park with military honors provided by the D.A.V. Chapter #63. Arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Viewing will be from Noon until 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, with the family visiting with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
For those not able to attend Gilly's funeral, it will be available to watch via the First Baptist Church Facebook Live.