Roy Edwin Gilmore, 63, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his home in Allen, OK. He was born on April 4,1962 and grew up in Allen. His parents, Owen and Betsy Gilmore, preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Owen Gilmore (Myriam) and his sister, Sarah Garcia (W. T. Skye Garcia) along with several nieces and nephews.
While in high school, Roy enlisted in the Army National Guard and later served in the United States Army as a Ranger. His military service took him all over the world, including action in Grenada during Operation "Urgent Fury." For his service there, he received a Certificate of Achievement for Exceptionally Meritorious Service in Combat. While in the military, he received certification as Open Water Diver, Paratrooper, Expert Mountain Climber, as well as receiving Alaskan Snow Ski training. Roy was also a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society.
Upon his discharge from the Army, Roy attended Arkansas Valley Vocational Technical School, Ozark, and received an associate's degree in Electronics. He also received a Certificate of Mud Engineering from Seminole Jr. College's Drilling Fluids Technology School.
Roy loved learning new skills, inventing and conducting new experiments, exploring new places, and testing the limits of his abilities. Throughout his life, he was known as an "Adventurer." His independent, inquisitive and inventive nature resulted in his having quite varied jobs, interests and hobbies. He travelled from west to east coast as a truck driver; served as an oil owner/operator; travelled throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana as a driller and mud engineer; and worked as a fiber optic technician for Southwestern Bell. He received private tutoring as a hydro metallurgist and enjoyed panning for gold, experimenting with metals, and rock hunting. Roy loved building computers, repairing car engines, welding, and inventing new ways to do things. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. His projects also reflected his love for animals, such as starting an alligator farm, filling his barn with aquariums full of exotic fish, taking care of racehorses at Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, beekeeping, and caring for stray cats and dogs.
Roy was also known for his willingness to help, whether it be for family, friends, or strangers. Later in his life, he became the caretaker for his parents and an aunt and uncle when they became ill. He had an infectious smile and manner and was always joking around, but he was also very tough, ready to stand up and defend anyone who he thought had been mistreated. Roy's own challenges in life taught him to be a friend to the friendless and offer hope to the hopeless. His love, laughter, and kindheartedness will be greatly missed.
The services for Mr. Gilmore are pending at Criswell Funeral Home, Ada, OK.