Johnny Ray Gilkey Sr.

Johnny Gilkey was born on May 21, 1956 in Butler, Missouri to Bobby Ray Gilkey and Della Black. He was called to the Lord on September 23, 2023. Johnny met his wife Nellie in Rich Hill, Missouri in the winter of 1976 and got married the following year on April 1, 1977 in Eldorado Springs, Missouri. Nellie and Johnny were married 46 years.

You could always find Johnny fishing and coon hunting to pass time. He enjoyed going to fish fries, watching the Chiefs or Royals games, and spending time with his family. Johnny was also known on the road as the “Blue Mule” in his trucking days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Ray Gilkey and Della Black, his sister Lavona Bradley, and his niece Chelsea Gilkey.

He is survived by his siblings: Carol Fillpot (John), Joe Gilkey (Peggy), Fred Gilkey (Georgia), and Dewey Gilkey (Shannon); his children: Donna Greer (Jason), Melissa Chrisjohn (Justin), Johnny Gilkey Jr. (Renee), and Robert Gilkey (Crystal); his grandchildren: Moriah Truitt (Andrew), Brenton Greer (Skyla), Brady Truitt, Derek Greer (Alaina), Bailey Greer (Noel), Anissa Ewing (Zackariah), Emily Gilkey, Bobby Gilkey, Hailey Gilkey, and Chloe Gilkey; his great-grandchildren: Jocelynn Meier, Liam Greer, Raylee Meier, and Luca Ewing; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, Friday, September 29 at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri.  Visitation will be from 6 pm to 7 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri.  Burial will be at the Papinville Cemetery in Rockville, Missouri.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice and may be sent in care of the Heuser Funeral Home P.O. Box 42 Rich Hill, Missouri  64779.