1932
Laverne
2020
Laverne M. "Verne" Gilliam
September 5, 1932 — August 27, 2020
Laverne Martin "Verne" Gilliam, age 87, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Verne was born September 5, 1932 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Fred Howard and Queenie Helen (Birdsall) Gilliam.
At a young age, Verne left Hamilton and moved to Orillia, Ontario, Canada where he began his working life as a salesman in a menswear shop. Over the years, he worked in hotel management, various retail positions, including Firestone, Sears, Real Estate and at one point he had his own dressmaker's shop.
On June 6, 1953, he married the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Gilliam, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Verne is predeceased by his parents, wife Pat and daughter Wendy Kirkwood. He is survived by five children: Kathie Mills of Independence, Missouri; Roger (MaryAnn) Gilliam of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Carolyn Thomas of Barrie, Ontario, Canada; Michael (Andrea) Gilliam of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada; Brenda (Vince) Jamieson of Pickering, Ontario, Canada; son-in-law Paul Kirkwood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews.
Verne was well known within his church family for his music. In his younger years he enjoyed working with the youth of the church as Zions' League Leader, musical director and choir leader and established a youth singing group (Revelations). After he and Pat moved to Independence from Canada, he continued to minister to many through his music.
His body was laid to rest at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens. Visitation to be held Friday, September 4, 2020 from 9-11 am followed by a memorial service at 6 pm at The Gathering Place Worship Center 2820 M 291 Frontage Rd., Independence, MO 64055.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
At a young age, Verne left Hamilton and moved to Orillia, Ontario, Canada where he began his working life as a salesman in a menswear shop. Over the years, he worked in hotel management, various retail positions, including Firestone, Sears, Real Estate and at one point he had his own dressmaker's shop.
On June 6, 1953, he married the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Gilliam, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Verne is predeceased by his parents, wife Pat and daughter Wendy Kirkwood. He is survived by five children: Kathie Mills of Independence, Missouri; Roger (MaryAnn) Gilliam of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Carolyn Thomas of Barrie, Ontario, Canada; Michael (Andrea) Gilliam of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada; Brenda (Vince) Jamieson of Pickering, Ontario, Canada; son-in-law Paul Kirkwood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews.
Verne was well known within his church family for his music. In his younger years he enjoyed working with the youth of the church as Zions' League Leader, musical director and choir leader and established a youth singing group (Revelations). After he and Pat moved to Independence from Canada, he continued to minister to many through his music.
His body was laid to rest at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens. Visitation to be held Friday, September 4, 2020 from 9-11 am followed by a memorial service at 6 pm at The Gathering Place Worship Center 2820 M 291 Frontage Rd., Independence, MO 64055.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laverne M. "Verne" Gilliam, please visit our flower store.
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