Richard W. Gilmore passed away at his home in Deming on 7/7/2018 from natural causes and the effects of advanced age, he was 94. Richard was born the 9th of 10 children in Altoona, PA on December 3, 1923 to Paul and Zilla Gilmore. At the age of 7 he entered Girard College in Philadelphia, a preparatory school for poor, fatherless boys, where he remained until he was 18. He served in the US 8th Air Force during World War II from 1943-1946, stationed at RAF Framlingham in England.
He moved from Philadelphia to Deming in 1953 where in 1956 he married Betty Frances Jeanes who became his wife of 56 years until her death in 2012. With his brother J. Edward (Eddie), he formed Thunderbird Land Development Corporation. He later formed Richard W. Gilmore Construction, Inc. and over the next 50+ years, built more than 400 homes throughout Deming, Luna County and SW New Mexico. Richard will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of faith and generosity, and as a businessman universally respected for his integrity and character.
His commitment to his community is reflected in his legacy of civic leadership, charitable giving and cultural advocacy. Together with his wife Betty, they touched the lives of many and created a home whose doors were open to all. Richard is survived by his 5 children Robert (Jane), Betty Kaye, Guy (Martha), Donald (Rebecca) and Ann (Robert); 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Cancer Support of Deming & Luna County Inc. PO Box 1746, Deming, NM 88031.
A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held on Friday 7/20 at 11am at the First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. Granite St. in Deming. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. There will be a private burial service for family members at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory
He moved from Philadelphia to Deming in 1953 where in 1956 he married Betty Frances Jeanes who became his wife of 56 years until her death in 2012. With his brother J. Edward (Eddie), he formed Thunderbird Land Development Corporation. He later formed Richard W. Gilmore Construction, Inc. and over the next 50+ years, built more than 400 homes throughout Deming, Luna County and SW New Mexico. Richard will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of faith and generosity, and as a businessman universally respected for his integrity and character.
His commitment to his community is reflected in his legacy of civic leadership, charitable giving and cultural advocacy. Together with his wife Betty, they touched the lives of many and created a home whose doors were open to all. Richard is survived by his 5 children Robert (Jane), Betty Kaye, Guy (Martha), Donald (Rebecca) and Ann (Robert); 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Cancer Support of Deming & Luna County Inc. PO Box 1746, Deming, NM 88031.
A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held on Friday 7/20 at 11am at the First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. Granite St. in Deming. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. There will be a private burial service for family members at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory
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