Edward L. Gilliam

Edward L. Gilliam, 81 of Smithville, MO, passed away, January 1, 2012.

He was born on December 25, 1930 to George Leonard and Roberta Pauline (Britt) Gilliam in Smithville, MO. He grew up and attended school in Liberty, MO.

On November 18, 1950 he was united in marriage to Darlene King. After their marriage they lived in Paradise, MO for over 50 years. His wife, Darlene passed away, November 12, 2009.

Ed worked many years as a painting contractor. As a young Boy Scout, Ed learned the craft of woodcarving, which led to his adult passion. He was well know for his Santa’s and a variety of other carvings All of Ed’s adult life was spent involved in Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout Master of Trimble Troop 174 for over 20 years. He also provided council to other area troops. Ed served on staff at Camp Geiger in St. Joseph for many years, primarily serving as Chaplain. He was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was honored as a Medicine Man, he also achieved two of the highest honors for adult Scouting, the Wood Badge and the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the Community of Christ where he served as Elder.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sons, Joel and wife Kyong, Topeka, KS, Jeffrey A. and wife Brenda, Timothy E. and wife Leslie, daughter, Mari Owen and husband Randy, all of Smithville; Ann Elliott, Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Nicholas L. McCutcheon and wife Jenny, Sean R. Gilliam, Elliott D. Gilliam, Shelby N. Gilliam, Sheldon A. Gilliam, Edward J. “E.J.” Owen, and Gwendolyn M. Gilliam; great-grandson, Jackson L. McCutcheon; sister-in-law, Charlotte King; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Community of Christ, Smithville.

Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Trimble, MO.

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Community of Christ.

Donations may be made to Camp Geiger Campership Fund payable to Pony Express Council in care of Community of Christ, PO Box 276, Smithville, MO 64089

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, MO.