Randy Lee Gilmore

Randy Lee Gilmore

September 28, 1955 – August 21, 2025

Randy Lee Gilmore, of Nixa, passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and compassion. He was born September 28, 1955, in Lockwood, Missouri, to Ralph and Georganna Gilmore, and grew up in South Greenfield, Missouri, where his roots and values were firmly planted.

In 1975, Randy married the love of his life, Evelyn, beginning a journey together filled with devotion, laughter, and faith. He first began his career in business, working with Taco Bell in the 1970s before the company franchised, serving as a training manager and supervisor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yet in 1978, Randy felt a greater call—one to ministry. Answering that call, he attended seminary, was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, and began faithfully serving congregations across western Missouri. His first appointment was in Avilla, MO, and from there, his ministry touched countless lives.

In 2000, Randy took a leave from the pulpit to pursue other interests, but his heart for service led him to a new path. In 2002, he became a hospice chaplain with Southern Care Hospice, where he walked alongside families in their most tender moments, offering comfort, prayers, and peace. Loving and serving God was always at the very center of Randy’s life.

Those who knew Randy will remember his remarkable God-given gift—he could always remember someone’s name, no matter how long it had been. For him, it was not just a talent, but a way of showing people that they mattered.

Beyond his ministry, Randy was a proud father and grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, loved to travel, and found endless joy in exploring new places. He was also an avid reader, a passion that began in third grade when his teacher, Mrs. Hughey, placed the book The Lost Lakes in his hands. From that day forward, reading became a lifelong companion.

Randy retired in 2007, but his love for people, his devotion to God, and his joy for life never retired. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Randy is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn, children Amanda (Justin) Goodwin and Benjamin Gilmore, grandchildren Caleb (Hannah) Morris, Ashton Carullo, Hannalece Gilmore, Seriana Gilmore, and Adelynd Gilmore, great grandson Tucker Morris, and his brother James (Cindy) Gilmore.

Randy is preceded in death by both his parents and his loving grandmother Pearl Steenrod.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.