Walahn Kilgore

Walahn Kilgore a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Thursday, April 25th, 2024. He was 90 years old.

He was born to Lowry and Evelyn Frazier on April 13, 1934, in Cairo, Missouri. 

Walahn married Bonnie Kirk Turner on January 12, 1979 in Macon, Missouri and they celebrated 45 years together before his homegoing. 

A graduate of Huntsville high school in 1952 , Walahn was drafted to the U.S. Army in December, 1956 serving the 84th Transportation Company in Heidelburg, Germany. He spent four years in active and reserve service, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman Medal for rifle shooting.

After returning home he worked for Wabash, Norfolk Western & Norfolk Southern Railroad as Road Foreman and Engineer for 44 years. After retirement in 1994, he could be found attending auctions collecting many things but mostly railroad memorabilia.

He had many classic cars he showed throughout car shows to loved to show off his Lincoln Mark IV. 

He was also an active member of Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church. He could be seen daily working on his crossword puzzle (always finished before anyone else could even try). He was a  member of Friends of the Park, MACC Greyhound Boosters, and Randolph County Historical Society. He was an integral part of the construction of the Rothwell Park Mini Train and could often be seen volunteering his Sunday afternoons bringing smiles to the adult and children riders.

Walahn always enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events no matter the distance or the weather and even participated in the Sr. Show Me Games in Track and Field earning many medals inn hurdles and Javelin over the years.

He is survived by wife - Bonnie Kilgore. Sons Tim (Janeen) Kilgore, Paul Kilgore, daughters Lynn (Eric) Land, Tammy Randolph, Lisa (Gerald) Dowdy.

Brothers (his twin) Galahn Kilgore and Jr. Kilgore, sister Karen (Ray) Mason.

Grandchildren Wes ‘favorite’ (Anna) Land, Shane (Jane) Land, Gabe (Jess) Randolph, Brianna (Nick) Krutz, Brendon Dowdy, Josh Kilgore, Abbie (Michael) Dudek, Karelia Kent and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Walahn was preceded in death by his parents Lowry and Evelyn Kilgore, Stepmother Elsie Kilgore, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

"I have had a good life, the Lord has been good to me, when he's ready for me - I'm ready.” – Walahn.

In honor of Walahn, memorials can be made to the Gideons or to the charity of your choice

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel, followed by funeral services honoring and celebrating Walahn's life.  Committal prayer, Military Honors, and burial took place at the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery, Jacksonville, MO.