John R. Gilmore, 81, of Jackson, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at his home.

He was born April 16, 1937, in Fruitland, to John W. "Woody" and Evelyn A. Ackman Gilmore. He and Shelby Jean King were married March 23, 1958, in Fruitland.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving honorably from Dec. 8, 1955 to Aug. 14, 1957.

In 1950, he began working for C & G Feed and Supply Co., a business established by his late father and Fred Corse. In 1987, John purchased the company, and in 2002, he sold it to his son, Bob. John also owned and operated the first Missouri Kawasaki dealership in Fruitland.

He enjoyed golfing at Kimbeland Country Club and was a former member of the Jackson Elks, where he liked to play cards.

Loving survivors include his wife of 60 years, Shelby Jean of Jackson; three sons, Bob (Stephanie) Gilmore of New Wells, Missouri, Steve Gilmore of Jackson and Ron (Jennifer) Gilmore of Jackson; five grandchildren, Courtney Gilmore, Austin Gilmore, Aubrey (Tony) Samuels, Heather (Jordan) Reisenbichler and Alexandra Gilmore; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Gilmore of Ashville, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bob Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with graveside military honors.

Memorials may be made to Missouri Veterans Home Foundation.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.