Obituary for John Gilmore

John Cunningham Gilmore transitioned to the light of the spirit on September 13, 2015. John was born April 26, 1942 in Point Pleasant, WV to George and Esther (Lewis) Gilmore. John enlisted in the USMC in 1960. He served in the Vietnam War and was wounded in action, thus earning him the Purple Heart. For 25 years he served as a substance abuse counselor at the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital in Chillicothe, OH and was active in the AA community for 31 years. During that time and up to the day he passed, he touched countless lives and helped numerous people achieve and maintain sobriety. John enjoyed life! He was a published poet and spent many years reciting his poetry to a variety of audiences. He chronicled his life through his words. He was also an avid photographer, athlete, sports fan, card player and fisherman. John is survived by his loving wife Lydia of 26 years, his daughter Jonetta Boggs (Christopher), three grandchildren Dalton, Bailey and Hunter, brothers George (Judie), Andrew (Teresa), Daniel (Jill), Norman, sister Andrea Donaldson (William), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and Godchildren Milli Duff (Joel) and Erin Martin. John is also survived by best friends David and Cindy Martin. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Esther, and brother James. Friends may call on Tuesday, September 22nd from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM at HILL FUNERAL HOME, 220 S. State. Street, Westerville, OH 43081. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM at the same location. The family would like to thank Hopewell House, the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital and the staff of Doctor’s West Hospital for their skilled and loving care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Semper Fi, John; husband, father, grandfather, Godfather, brother, and friend.