Longtime Montesano resident Richard Eugene Gillham Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. Richard was born May 3, 1950, in Cleburne, Texas, to Stanley and Geneva (McPherson) Gillham.

He had also lived in New Mexico and Oklahoma before moving to Elma, Washington, in 1966. Richard graduated from Elma High School in 1968 and proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Vietnam War era. On May 26, 1984, Richard married Juanita Herron in Elma. She survives him at the family home.

Richard had worked as an owner/operator and diesel mechanic for Schaben & Westling and also as a service manager for Kenworth NW.

He had been president of Wynoochee Wildwoods for 10 years and belonged to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Richard loved horsepower, both muscle cars and trucks.

In addition to his loving wife Juanita, he is also survived by six sons, Kenneth A. (Tanya) Brogan Jr. of Montesano, Washington, Matthew A. (Rhonda) Gillham of Chehalis, Washington, Tyler C. Brogan of Montesano, Washington, Phillip L. (Melanie) Gillham of East Hoquiam, Washington, Karl R. Gillham of Montesano, Washington, Richard R. Gillham Jr. of Central Park, Washington and daughter Geneva A. (Steve) Birdsall of Central Park, Washington; two brothers, Stephen Gillham of Farmington, New Mexico and David Gillham of College Place, Washington; 21 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and also Ann and Ali Fulton, Scotty, Blair, Lexi and Ave Palmer who were very special people in his life.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Herbert Gillham.

A celebration of his life is planned for 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at the Elma Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 1246 Monte Elma Rd. Followed by a reception at the Montesano Moose Lodge.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary in Montesano.