William E. Gilpin, 69, of Russell, Kansas known to friends and family as Bill, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Bill was born September 20, 1948 in Smith Center, Kansas, the son of Paul and Eula (Warner) Gilpin.  He grew up in Smith Center and graduated from Smith Center High School in the Class of ’66.  A proud native of Smith Center, Bill played basketball at Cloud County Community College and Kansas Wesleyan.  He graduated from Wesleyan with a degree in English Literature.  Bill then served his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy during 1971 thru 1974.

Bill was united in marriage to Margie Ann Wiehl on October 26, 1968 in Salina, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three children; Tish, Justin and Chip.  They made their home in Williamsburg, Virginia during his military tour, and then moved to Russell. 

Bill lived in Russell for 42 years and has always been a small business owner in the community that he cherished; first as owner and operator of Gilpin & Gorton, Inc. Wholesale Food Service and co-owner of Paper Marts and in more recent years as a financial planner with Gilpin Investments.  He was a person who had never met a stranger and will be missed by those he interacted with on a daily basis.  He will always be remembered as the most sincere and genuine man.  He was a great friend, devoted husband, caring father and a loving grandfather that would travel anywhere and everywhere to see his grandchildren’s activities.

Bill’s surviving family include his wife of 49 years, Margie of the home; daughter, Tish Warren (Doug) of Great Bend, Kansas; sons, Justin Gilpin (Angie) of Emporia, Kansas and Chip Gilpin (Gina) of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Nick Warren, Kate Warren, Taryn Warren, Chance Gilpin, Gracie Gilpin, Milo Gilpin and Mackenzie Gilpin.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Karen Gorton.

Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 8, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  Graveside Service will be held at 2:30 PM, Friday, at Fairview Cemetery in Smith Center, Kansas.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with Russell County Area Community Foundation.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.