Leland "Bud" Gilliland

Leland I. “Bud” Gilliland, 87, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 29, 2017, at Morningstar Care Homes of Ottawa. Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 4, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with military honors at the church. Family will receive friends immediately following the service. Cremation is planned. Private family inurnment will be held at Centropolis Cemetery at a later date. Leland was born January 4, 1930, in Centropolis, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Elva (Ramshaw) Gilliland. He grew up and lived in Centropolis, moved to Texas upon retirement and returned to Ottawa in 2008. He graduated from Appanoose High School with the class of 1947 and furthered his education at technical trade schools. Leland was united in marriage to Mabel Robbins February 26, 1951 at Raton, New Mexico. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two children, Robyn Bowman and husband John of Ottawa, and Leland E. “Gene” Gilliland of Centropolis; two sisters, Annabelle Billingsley and husband Max of San Antonio, Texas, and Evelyn Motter and husband Francis of Midwest City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Tracy Leach and husband Mark of Baldwin City, Tara Bowman of Ottawa, Brett Gilliland of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dayna Gilliland and wife Amanda of Independence, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Emma Leach, Anna Leach and Cody Leach all of Baldwin City; great-great-granddaughter, MaKenzie Leach of Baldwin City; aunt, Elizabeth Ramshaw; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elva Gilliland. Leland owned Gilliland Oil & Tire which was started by his father in 1926 and continues today under son Gene’s name. It was designated as the 3rd oldest Goodyear dealership and is now recognized as one of the oldest family run businesses in Kansas. Leland served in the local National Guard unit. He was activated during the flood of 1951, flood of 1953, Topeka tornado June 8, 1966, and the racial riots at University of Kansas in July 1970, retiring in 1973 with 23 years of service. He was a member of United Methodist churches in Ottawa and Texas and served his Lord faithfully on many church committees. Leland was also trustee of the Centropolis Township for many years. Leland enjoyed woodworking, carving, was an avid fisherman while living on the Texas Gulf Coast, loved to travel, saw all 50 states, all Canadian provinces, Mexico, Costa Rica and Haiti, by motor home and on mission trips. The family suggests memorial contributions to FRETSA (Franklin County Emergency Temporary Shelter Association) or Ottawa First United Methodist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Leland’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com