Article Image Alt Text

William ‘Bill’ Benjamin Gillen

William “Bill” Benjamin Gillen of Stigler was born Nov. 7, 1945, in Tulare, Calif. to William Benjamin and Margaret (Schoolcraft) Gillen and passed away Oct. 8, 2018, in Stigler at the age of 72.

Bill loved to laugh and tell jokes almost as much as he loved spending time with his grandchildren. After serving in the Army (21st Infantry Division) during the Vietnam War. Bill worked as a police officer in Tulare and Stigler before starting his own plumbing business. After he retired in 1995, he could be found walking downtown with his grandchildren, at the gun range with his friends or at Wal-Mart asking for liquid ice. He was a jovial, fun-loving man who will continue to be greatly loved by all who knew him. 

He is survived by four children, Robin Elaine Mackey of Muskogee, William A. Gillen and wife, Stephanie, of Leander, Texas, Mary Elaine Gillen McMillen of Tulsa and Donna M. Gillen and partner, Coday Stewart, of Muskogee; nine grandchildren, Alysia Davis, Austin Mackey, Carson Mackey, Tyler Wise, Simon Allison, Millen Kremmer, Cade Gillen, Cammian Magreevy and Winry Lynn Stewart; three great-grandchildren, Kane Davis, Adeleigh Davis and Violet Mae Wise and five brothers and sisters, Mary Jane Overacker, Sue Moore, Richard Gillen and wife, Carolyn, David Gillen and wife, Louise, and Charles Gillen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Gillen; one brother, Donald Gillen; one grandson, Jeffrey Paul Mackey II and his parents. 

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at Antioch Cemetery with eulogists Mary Dickey and James Collins officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mallory-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory in Stigler. 

Pallbearers will be James Collins, David Eaton, Coday Stewart, Austin Mackey, Cade Gillen and Tyler Wise.

Family visitation will be at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Stigler News-Sentinel

204 S. Broadway
Stigler, OK 74462

918­-967­-4655
Fax: 918-­967­-4289