GARFIELD — David Eugene Gilkey, 75, passed away Feb. 1, 2022 at Hays Medical Center, Hays.

He was born May 24, 1946 in Hominy, Okla., the son of Durward M. and Evelyn Maxine Minix Gilkey.

An area resident since 1975, he was an oil operator. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and enjoyed socializing at the casino, hunting, fishing, gardening, and doing anything with his dog Lucky. David loved watching his grandkids play sports. He served in the United States Navy.

He married Leonella “Nelli” A. Meyeres at Miami, Okla.; she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, David (Katie) Gilkey, Hutchinson, Adam (Amy) Gilkey, McPherson; three daughters, Tammy (Jon) Nickless, Imperial, Neb., Stephannie (Mitchell) Nicol, Holton, Ammie (Robert) Schibler, Gruver, Texas; 16 grandchildren, Taylar, Ragan, Colby, and Paige Nickless, Reilly, Carson, and Hayden Stumpff, Brodey, and Emersyn Nicol, Logan and Rhett Gilkey, Dylaney and Jefferson Weaver, and Quincy Schibler, Finn and Addison Gilkey; two step grandchildren, Montana Nicol and Mikyla (Caleb) Hill; his sister, Nyla; and his faithful dog, Lucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Durward and Maxine Gilkey; three brothers, Jerry, Melvin, and Fred; a sister, Tina; and a grandson, Ryder Nicol.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Tom Hudson presiding. Military Rites will be presented by the United States Navy and Larned VFW Post 2271. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Semper Fi Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left atwww.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary 

PO Box 477 

Larned, KS  67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 4, 2022