Roy A. Gilman, 96, died Thursday, September 21, 2006, at the Community Care Center in Stuart, where he had resided since earlier this year.

Services were held Monday, September 25, at the Stuart-Mount Vernon United Methodist Church in Stuart with Rev. Kathy Sides officiating. Debbie Wilson sang "On Eagle's Wings." She was accompanied by Janna Nelson.

Bearers were Cary Gilman, Craig Gilman, Peter Gilman, Ben Gilman, Ray Frappier, and Tom Smull II.

The committal service and interment were in Penn Center Cemetery at Earlham. Military honors were provided by James C. McGhee American Legion Post 146 of Stuart.

Roy Albert Gilman was born on May 3, 1910, to Henry A. and Dora (Ketelsen) Gilman near Earlham. There he spent his childhood, on the family farm. He graduated front Earlham High School in 1927, and later graduated from Iowa State University in Ames. Following graduation, Roy taught vocational agriculture studies, and coached in several towns in northwest Iowa.

On August 22, 1934, Roy was united in marriage to Irene Mapes. They were blessed with three children, Howard, Lola Marie, and Doris Jean. Roy served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and the family moved to Stuart, where Roy and Irene managed the American Hampshire Sheep Association office. Roy was also secretary of the Association for many years and later served as a judge for the association in Christchurch, New Zealand. He retired in 1975.

Roy was a member of the Stuart-Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, where he was involved in many offices and activities through the years, and was the chairman of the building committee for the new church in the mid 1970s. He was also a member of the James C. McGhee American Legion Post in Stuart, and was instrumental in initiating the inception of Stuart's Community Care Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both daughters, Lola and Doris; a sister, Margaret Gilman; and two brothers, Everett Gilman and Curtis Gilman.

Survivors include his wife, Irene, of Stuart; a son, Howard and Joyce Gilman of Menlo; five grandchildren six great-grand children; a brother, Carl Gilman of Stuart; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruppert Funeral Home of Stuart was in charge of the arrangements.