Ronald Eugene Gilliland

Ronald Eugene Gilliland, 68, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Gilliland was born Sept. 18, 1948, in Nevada, Mo. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff and was a retired educator. After receiving his bachelor's degree in education with a minor in drama, Mr. Gilliland taught English and business at schools in Jasper, Mo., Sheldon, Mo. and Poplar Bluff as well as Fort Scott, Kan. He was an inspiring stage director and actor and was active in the Community Theater in Nevada and the Stage Company in Poplar Bluff. He was also featured in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. Mr. Gilliland loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and cook.

In Oct. 23, 1971, he married Cathie Ann Miller in Nevada, Mo. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Jeffrey Dean Gilliland and his fiancée, Cindy, of Poplar Bluff and Jason Edward Gilliland and his wife, Amber, of Nevada; five grandchildren, Zakary Lane Gilliland, Shaun Calvin Gilliland, Jaylyn Dawn Gilliland, Hailey Shalee Utterback and Trae Anthony Gilliland; a sister, Kimberly Dawn Dowty of Topeka, Kan.; two brothers, Evan McConahay of El Dorado Springs, Mo., and Timothy Dowty of Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

Two children, Jennifer Christine and Justin Wayne Gilliland; his mother, Lois Dean Gilliland; a sister, Janice McConahay; and his maternal grandparents, Dean and Irene (Arburgast) Gilliland preceded him in death.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Gilliland's memory to the American Stroke Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 214, Overland Park, KS., 66202.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.