1SG (Ret) Kim Allen Gillen

January 8, 1956 - August 28, 2020

Kim Allen Gillen, son of Everett Densel Gillen and Carol Jean Turner, was born January 8, 1956 in Waterloo, Iowa. As a young boy, the family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas where he grew up and attended school until the 11th grade. The family moved to Fredonia, Kansas and Kim graduated from Fredonia High School. Shortly after graduating, Kim entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement after 22 years of service. He had attained the rank of First Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. While stationed in Panama with the military, Kim met a young lady by the name of Emerita Amy Torrero. They were united in marriage on August 1, 1980 in Panama and just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with three children: Jeremy, Chris and Alicia and many wonderful memories. After retiring from the military, Kim continued serving his country as a GS Civil Service employee. He worked as a Force Structure Analyst for the Military Police Corps and retired after 17 years of service. In his spare time, Kim enjoyed being outdoors while fishing, but his greatest enjoyment was just getting to spend time with his family. He loved them dearly, especially the grandchildren, and looked forward to every time they could be together. Kim passed away Friday, August 28, 2020 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 64 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Kim leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Amy Gillen of the home; his mother: Carol Turner of Fredonia, KS; three children: Jeremy Gillen of Richland, MO, Chris Gillen (Andrea) of St. Robert, MO and Alicia Proctor of Columbia, MO; three grandchildren: Jason Gum, Aiden Proctor and To’a Te’o Gillen; three brothers: Bill Gillen (Van) of Atlanta, GA, Shawn Larocque (Lisa) of Fredonia, KS and Michael Gillen of Fredonia, KS; two sisters: Valarie Jordan (Roger) of Fredonia, KS and Robin Price (Andy) of Billerica, MA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Kim was preceded in death by his father: Everett Densel Gillen. Kim was a leader and motivator. He was always encouraging his family to keep moving forward and they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. That legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2020 in the Christ Mission Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Pastor Jeff Brown officiating. Kim’s sons, Jeremy and Chris, recalled their wonderful memories of their father. The songs “That’s My Job” by Conway Twitty, “Like A Rock” by Bob Seger and “Even Though I’m Leaving” by Luke Combs was played. Serving as escorts were Jeremy Gillen, Chris Gillen, Bill Gillen, Manu Te’o, Andrea Te’o-Gillen and Sean Price. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of 1SG (Ret) Kim Allen Gillen and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.