Rev. Eugene Gilliam

The Reverend Eugene O. Gilliam of rural Farmington passed from this life into the arms of his savior on Saturday November 13, 2010, at his residence, at the age of 92 years. He was born on March 14, 1918, at Desloge, son of the late Ottis and Anna M. (Boyer) Gillam. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Richard Travis Stam and Stephanie Elayne Stam, two sisters, Gertrude Boyer and Louise Miller, four brothers, Wendell, Bill, Jim, and Alfred Gilliam and a son-in-law, Richard G. Stam. Rev. Gilliam grew up in the Lead Belt, attending school at Irondale. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II in the European Theatre. During that time he took part in the Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Northern France campaigns. For his service he was awarded 5 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning home from the service, Eugene married Zella Talley at Irondale. Eugene worked for Wetterau Grocers, moving with that job the Gilliams lived in Scott City, before later moving back to the Lead Belt. In 1968 Eugene received his calling to the Gospel Ministry and was ordained in the Pentecostal Ministry, first assisting at the Gospel Tabernacle in Esther and later pastoring at Ellington and Potosi, and evangelizing everywhere he went. In earlier years Eugene enjoyed fishing and hunting, and always was working at home or church and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In his spare time he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Eugene will be missed by all those who knew and loved him, including his loving wife of 65 years, Zella P. (Talley) Gilliam of Farmington, three sons, Kenneth N. (Juanita) of Park Hills, Donald W. (Marilyn) of Farmington, and Eugene Randall (Debra) of Farmington, three daughters, Patricia Wilson-Gilliam of the State of Washington, Delores Jean (Raymond) Brady of the State of Idaho, and Donna E. Stam of Farmington, 18 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson. A great many other relatives and friends also survive. Friends may call on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at the Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 7 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Services will be held at the Cozean Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Baker officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. In leiu of flowers memorials may be made to BJC Hospice. Share your condolences and memories and view the tribute video at cozean.biz.