Our dear Ollie, husband, father, grandfather Papa, and friend, went to be with our passed away on November 18th, 2013 while battling Parkinsons and congestive heart disease. Those who knew Ollie knew a true Gentleman a calm, sweet man with a gentle spirit. He was born January 28th, 1939 in Harrodsburg, KY to William Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Gilpin. He graduated from Bardstown High School in Bardstown, KY. After high school, Ollie attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, where he received a BS in History. He then went on to earn Masters degrees in Secondary Education and Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely, CO. Ollie proudly served his country, serving one year active duty in the U.S. Army and 10 years in the National Guard. As a teacher, principal and coach, Ollie spent his career teaching, coaching and shaping lives of children. From the Indian reservations of the Navajo and Hopi, to the classrooms in Colorado and New Mexico, Ollies influence impacted the lives of many.

Aside from teaching students, Ollie had many loves. Among his favorites were watching football, cheering on the Denver Broncos and Oklahoma Sooners, going fishing, traveling, two-stepping, and reading and sharing his love of history. But most of all, he loved being with his family. Ollie was a devoted and loving husband; father, grandfather and friend and he will be so terribly missed.

Ollie leaves behind his loving wife of 16 years Janice Gilpin, son and daughter-in-law Don and Claudia Gilpin of Albuquerque, NM, son Kenneth Gilpin of Las Vegas, NM, son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Jana Rhodes of Omaha, NE, son and daughter-in-law Kyle and Jeni Rhodes of McKinney, TX, and daughter and son-in-law Robin and Mike Foelsch of Winchester, VA. He also is survived by three brothers, a sister, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Juanita Gilpin.

Today we sent a part of our hearts on to Heaven. We love you Ollie and thank you for all the blessings you have brought into our lives.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenville Oaks Church of Christ, 703 S Greenville Ave, Allen, TX 75002. Inurnment will be at 2:15 p.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211. Family condolences may be left online at northdallasfun.wpengine.com.