Lael D. Gilliland

Lael D. Gilliland, 73, of Chetopa, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at his home.

Lael Deuane Gilliland was born on January 8, 1949, to Harold L. and Edith M. (Wallace) Gilliland in Eldon, Missouri.  As a young boy, he moved with his family to the Chetopa area, where he grew up and attended school.

After graduating from Chetopa High School, Lael served in the United States Army.   He then returned to the Chetopa area.  For many years, he worked as an electrician for a farm equipment manufacturer.

He enjoyed collecting coins and was a member of the Parsons Coin Club.  A black powder/muzzleloader enthusiast, he was a member of the Black Dogs Muzzle Loader Club and enjoyed going to Rendezvous.

On November 7, 1968, Lael and Linda Sue Evans were united in marriage at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  She preceded him in death on March 15, 2010.

Survivors include:

One son – Lael Gilliland, Jr. of Chetopa, Kansas

One daughter – Marsha Taylor and her husband, Walter, of Parsons, Kansas

Nine grandchildren

Eleven great-grandchildren

One brother – Darvin Gilliland of Chetopa, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Gilliland; one son, Michael Gilliland; three brothers, Gale Gilliland, Raymond Gilliland, and Bobby Gilliland; and two sisters, Betty Harold, and Dolly Hall.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2022, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.