Herschel Gilpin

COMMERCE, Mo. — Herschel O'Dell Gilpin, 84, of Commerce died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in a farm accident in Oran, Mo.

He was born July 3, 1924, in McClure, Ill., son of David and Thelma McClenahan Gilpin. He was raised by his uncle and aunt, William and Ruth Etherton. He and Martha Louise Sanders were married Sept. 9, 1948, in Piggott, Ark.

Gilpin was a self-employed farmer in the Commerce area. He was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church in Commerce, and Morley Masonic Lodge 184.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, serving in Polius, Okinawa and Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine Division.

Survivors include his wife; a son, David (Kay) Gilpin of Commerce; a granddaughter, Melinda (Randy) Grace of Commerce; a grandson, Brian (Krissy) Gilpin of Commerce; a great-granddaughter, Addison Grace; a great-grandson, Andrew Grace; two great-stepgranddaughters, Paige and Hannah Grace; and a half sister, Mary Ann (John) Ray of Cameron Park, Calif.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Alma Ruth Burford, and a half brother, Richard Gilpin.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Jim Norris officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery at Commerce with full military honors.