Funeral Services for Ron Gillham, age 71 of Bartlett, NE, were at 10:30 am Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Wheeler Central High School Auditorium in Bartlett with Pastor Delano Cunningham, Officiating. Music was provided by Pat Nichols, Pianist and Karen Kotrc, Soloist. Burial will be in the Rosewood Cemetery in Palmyra, NE. Pallbearers were Dale Hixson, Lamoine Hall, Steve Gillham, Jeff Golden, Doug Reiter, and Gail Payne. Honorary Pallbearers were Jon Shaffer, Darrell Thorin, Jim Landgren, Pat McLain, and Bob Nichols. Visitation was from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, September 24 , 2010 at United Methodist Church in Bartlett, NE.
Ron passed away Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital, O'Neill, NE.
Ron Gillham was born on June 6, 1939 to Vernon and Rosa (Scott) Gillham in Central City, NE. He graduated from Central City High School and Nebraska Wesleyan with a degree in Education and Coaching. Ron later received a Master's of Education and a Specialist Degree in Administration from the University of Nebraska of Lincoln. On August 20, 1961 he was united into marriage to Dee Manahan in Lincoln, NE. Ron and Dee began teaching and coaching at Wheeler Central High School where he later became an Administrator. Ron stepped away from education to pursue business ventures, which led to the purchase of the WeMart convenience store. He returned as Superintendent of Wheeler Central for an eight year period and later sold the WeMart prior to retirement. He loved all sports, golfing, bowling, basketball, riding motorcycles. He was member of the Wheeler County Foundation, Planner and organizer of social clubs in Bartlett.
He is survived by his wife, Dee and two Daughters: Kitra Deger and husband Michael and Trisa Reber and husband Gary. Four Grandchildren: triplets, Merrick, Korenn, and Kreyton Deger, and Kelsey Reber. Sister, Bev and husband Don Goeden of Lincoln, NE. Brother, LeRoy and wife Judy Gillham of Newman Grove, NE.
Proceeded in death by his parents.