Submitted by
Louise Willison

Clifford Marvin Gildhouse Sr.

NEWKIRK — Clifford Marvin "Pete" Gildhouse Sr., longtime Newkirk resident, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 7, 2006, in the Newkirk Nursing Center. He was 83.

The funeral service has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in First United Methodist Church of Newkirk with the Rev. James C. Hollifield officiating. Interment will follow in Newkirk Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. There will be no viewing at any time.

Clifford Marvin Gildhouse was born March 7, 1923, in Kaw City, the son of Harshal Henry and Grace Edith Mapel Gildhouse. He grew up and received his education in Kaw City, graduating from high school there. After graduation he worked on his uncle's farm.

On Oct. 16, 1942, Pete entered into active service with the United States Air Force. He served with the 2140th Army Air Forces Base Unit and was involved in air offensive in Western Europe, Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and the Ardennes. He was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge, four Overseas Bars, EAME Service Medal with six Bronze Battle Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Each member of the 1st Bombardment Division received a Presidential Citation for "conspicuous battle action of a character that would merit the award to an individual of the Distinguished Service Cross."

On April 21, 1945, Pete and Ivy Rayner were married in Peterborough, England. Pete's new bride remained in Peterborough with her family while he finished his tour of duty. He was honorably discharged Oct. 3, 1945, and he served with the Army Reserves until Dec. 31, 1952.

After his discharge from active service, Pete returned to Kay County and farmed east of Newkirk. Two years later his wife came to the United States. Pete took classes on the GI Bill and then was employed as a machinist at Greuner, now Smith International. Later he worked in the same capacity for General Electric at Strother Field. He retired in 1988.

Pete was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Newkirk and the United Methodist Men. He enjoyed working on lawnmowers and fixing things.

He is survived by his wife Ivy; two sons, Clifford M. Gildhouse Jr. of Arkansas City, Kan., and Gary Wayne Gildhouse of Newkirk; one daughter, Carol Diann Gildhouse Schiltz of Newkirk; a brother, Floyde Gildhouse of Newkirk; a sister, Dorothy Dye of Arkansas City; two grandchildren, Nicole Marie Redford and husband Robert "Bobby" of Yukon and Ashley Rayner Schiltz, a student of Oklahoma State University; and three great-grandchildren, Colby, Carter and Hadley Redford, all of Yukon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Easter, Edward and Dewey Gildhouse.

The family will be at 201 S. Peach Avenue in Newkirk.

A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Hospice through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.