Don Michael, (Mike), Gilmore was born on August 15, 1946, in Henrietta, Texas, to the late Boyd and Dorothy (Walker) Gilmore.  He was a loving son, devoted husband, nurturing father, doting grand & great-grandfather, and friend to all.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m.on Monday, August 12th at Lunn's. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13th in Lunn's Chapel with Pastor Rob Havens officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Mike was the family's protector, authority figure, and role-model for his faith in God, loving his family, and work ethic. He grew up following his father working on cars which served as the beginning of a 40-year career. He enjoyed scuba diving and became a Certified scuba instructor. He loved his children and enjoyed working with each of their passions; training Labrador retrievers with Mark, scouting with Jody, and FFA with Scott. Not only would he participate, but he also gave himself fully to each endeavor becoming a Field Trial Judge with Mark, a Scout Master with Jody, and an FFA Honorary Chapter member with Scott. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and boating with his kids, nephews, and niece; even working part-time at Marten Farms during planting season. Not only a role-model for his children, his faith in God and participation in their events touched the lives of many of their friends within the community.

Mike was one of the first students to participate in and achieve, ASE Certified Master Mechanic in 1988. Many in the North Texas area were his customers and friends as he was the owner / operator of Mikes Auto Repair for 12 years. At the age of 57 he attended Vernon Regional Junior College learning Auto-Cad, Industrial Design, and Industrial Math while completing his career at Stanley Tool company, creating the very tools that provided for his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Dorothy (Walker) Gilmore of Henrietta, TX., and his wife of 54 years, Cheryl (McCown) Gilmore, sister-in-law, Rita McCown of Wichita Falls, TX., and bother-in-law Kenneth Vance of Iowa Park, TX.

Mike is survived by one sister, Sharon Kay Gilmore of Wichita Falls, TX., brother-in-law Larry McCown of Wichita Falls, TX., sister-in-law Pam Vance of Iowa Park, TX., and sister & brother-in-law Marcia & Keith Barton of Katy, TX.,, three children; Mark Gilmore and wife Sharon of Prosper, TX, Jody Gilmore and wife Hilda of Prosper and Houston, TX., Scott Gilmore and wife Julie of Wichita Falls, TX.; grandchildren, Brittney Starns and husband Cheyenne of Ada, OK., Zackry Gilmore of Prosper, TX,  Jake Gilmore of Prosper, TX., Nathan Long and wife Holly, of Houston, TX., Steven Long and wife Tess of Houston, TX., Lauren Ron and husband Luis of Houston, TX.,  8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TX 38105.