Kermit Leslie Gillam, age 86, of Ashland Missouri formerly of Desloge, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 9, 2023. He was born on Sunday, February 28, 1937. in Washington Co. to the late Curtis Kermit and Lucy (King) Gillam.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorris June (Wisdom) Gillam who passed recently in May; children, Dorinda June Gillam, Curtis Kermit Gillam, Lucinda Mae Gillam, and Kermit Leslie Gillam; siblings, James Goodson and Evaughn Hood.

Kermit is survived by his son, John Gillam and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Lindsey Thomas and husband Austin, Nicholas Gillam and wife Jordyn; great-grandsons, Emmett Gillam and Raleigh Thomas; sister, Shirley McIntyre; brother-in-law, Mike Wisdom and wife Betty along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kermit served 20 years with the Potosi Police Department and retired in 1993. He proudly served his country for 26 years in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served as an Army Tank Commander and retired as a Senior Drill Sergeant in 1996. He was a member of the Holts Summit Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Potosi Masonic Lodge #131 and Knights Templar Lodge in St. Louis. Kermit was a man of few words, but when he spoke people listened. He was kind, caring, loving and funny. Kermit loved spending his time riding his side-by-side with his son and great-grandsons. He recently fulfilled a life-long dream of owning his own skid steer and operating it. Kermit’s biggest joy was spending time with his great-grandsons.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 1:30 PM. Pastor Jamie Wade will be officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park Cemetery in Bonne Terre. Memorials can be made toWoundedWarriorProjectathttps://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/