Otis “Obie” Gillenwater, 76 of Sumerco, WV, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
In 1974 Obie received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was a 1966 graduate of Duval High School, and he honorably served in the US Army. He retired from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 625 with 43 years of service. After he retired, he had more time to enjoy the things he loved: taking trips to Kentucky Lake and Amish Country, hunting, fishing, watching sports and westerns, and spoiling his grandchildren. He loved his grandkids like no other Papaw/Paps has. He was a devoted hard worker for his family.
He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and he loved Jesus. Obie exemplified Christlike characteristics in his love, devotion, and encouragement toward others. We have the hope and promise of seeing him again one day soon in Heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Mobley Gillenwater and Otis Gillenwater; father and mother in law, Skitch and Irene Loftis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Maurene “Betsy” Gillenwater; sons, John “Chris” Gillenwater of Cincinnati, OH, Pastor Craig (Amber) Gillenwater of Sod, WV; grandchildren, Sydney, Lillian, and their mother Sarah Gillenwater, and Drew and Kinley; sisters, Janet Hill, Jane Kerns, Dorothy (Roger)Profitt; brother, Mark (Annie) Gillenwater; and many other friends, nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. The family would like to thank Obie’s great nieces Kristina, Anna, and Sarah for their care and devotion to Obie in his last days here on Earth.
The family would also like to thank many people: the physicians of Pulmonary Associates of Charleston/WVU Medicine, the special nurses of the ICU that treated him as one of their own, and all the friends and family that supported the family these last days by calling, texting, visiting, and providing meals.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 19, at 1:00 PM at Curry Funeral Home with Pastors Craig Gillenwater and Dwight McClure and grandson Drew officiating. Burial will follow in Lively Cemetery, Sod, WV. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
I sure will miss Obie. He was a great guy and a Christian most importantly. He was always smiling when i had the privilege to be in his company. He has made that journey that we all are awaiting patiently to make ourselves. Prayers for the family during this time of grief here on earth just remember Obie and those who’ve went before us are rejoicing in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Obie was one-of-a-kind!!! I worked with him for several years at Dougherty Company. He was an artist when it came to laying out a mechanical room. He took his profession seriously, but he also liked to have fun on the job. His smile and laugh were contagious!! I think of him often and fondly. May he now enjoy the eternal reward he has been promised!! Prayers for Craig and the entire family!!!
Hugs and prayers to the family!
What a great blessing to have known Obie. He was always kind and fun to be around. Carl and I love this family very much. May God bless each of you and comfort you as only he can.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the whole family, but especially to Chris and Craig. He and Betsy raised two fine young men. Not able to attend the service, but will certainly be thinking of you all.
We can’t say enough about Obie …. He was such a kind, thoughtful and encouraging man. Always talking about his grandchildren and vacations. Rejoicing that he is no longer struggling to breathe and in pain. Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
We loved this sweet kind Christian man. Always had an encouraging word a smile or a story about something good to eat from the Amish country. We love and will miss you Obie. Love and prayers for Betsy,Craig,Amber,Kinley and especially Drew.We know how much you loved your papaw.
One of the best men I’ve ever known! He was such a people person! Always kind and seemed to love connecting other people. In fact, we vacationed where his niece worked all the way in Michigan and he made sure that we met! LOL! That’s just how he was! He was also very funny and I loved every moment I got to be around him! There was a presence about him that was comforting and entertaining at the same time. I thought of him as family and will miss not seeing him when we all get together! My husband also very much enjoyed the time he got the spend with him! He was and is love by all! There’s a comfort in knowing he’s beyond happy and in the presence of the Lord with no pain, suffering, or worries but he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with everyone who loved him, especially those who were closest to him!
He was such a sweet man and will be missed by many that had the pleasure to meet him.
LeFever family