June 22, 2023 at 11:25 a.m.
Robert "Bob" L. Gilliland, 89, Hope
By Norman Funeral Home
Robert “Bob” L. Gilliland of Hope, IN passed away June 20th, 2023, at Silver Oaks surrounded by his wife and children. Bob was born January 9th, 1934, to Ernest and Culla Gilliland and resided in Hartsville, IN until he left for the United States Army in 1952. He was a proud Korean War Vet.
Bob and Sandra S. Schaefer wed on October 8th, 1955, at Hope Moravian Church, and have been happily married for 67 years. They enjoyed ballroom dancing together. They were avid snowbirds, spending winters in Florida. They loved to spend holidays and weekends with their family on Schaefer Lake.
Bob was a businessman owning both Gilliland Service and Gilliland Trailer Sales. He and Sandra purchased the filling station in 1957 and in 1967 they started Gilliland Trailer Sales.
Many will remember him for his smile, and welcoming conversations.
During his time off, and retirement Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You would often find him mowing his lawn, tending the garden, or cruising on the pontoon.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Gilliland; sister, Martha Bolianger of Greenfield, IN; daughter, Karen (Denny Allen) Gilliland of Hope; son, Monte (Judy) Gilliland of Hope; granddaughters, Amber (Jon) Ross, of Hope and Cherri Battin, of Columbus; grandson, Justice Gilliland, of Hope, great-grandchildren Haley (Carson) St. Andrews, of Goldsboro, NC, Joe (Kirsten) Ross of Elizabethtown, Carter, Chandler, and Cambri Battin of Columbus; and great-great grandchild, Austin Ross.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Culla Gilliland.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 11 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home with Bryan Trotter officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hope Moravian Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Online condolences may be sent to the Gilliland Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.
