John Walter Gilliom

      John Walter Gilliom, 88, of Wooster, AR, went home to be with his Savior on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

     He was born in Mansfield, OH, on November 13, 1936, to Elmer Roy Gilliom (1897-1959) and Esther Elizabeth (Fuhrer) Gilliom (1898-1975).

    John was preceded in death by his parents and six sisters, Margaret Miu, Betty Gilliom, Mary Fulk, Frances Sorg, Helen Burford, and Dorothy Chambers, and grandson, Benjamin Parks, and great-granddaughter, Olivia Rhyne.

    He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Miriam Elaine (Au) Gilliom, sons, John S. Gilliom (April) of Powell, TN, Robert M. Gilliom (Nancy) of Wooster, AR, daughters, Kristi A. Parks (Marvin) of Leslie, AR, and Lori S. Goode of Conway, AR. He is also survived by grandchildren, John David Gilliom, Nate Gilliom, Anna Laura Gilliom, Brooke Gilliom, Austin Gilliom, Heidi Kennedy (Brian), Tyler Gilliom, Heather Pascoe (Luke), Sarah Patterson (Seth), Anna Westerman (Matt), James Parks (Janelle), Timothy Parks (Emily), Sharon Rhyne (Daniel), Lydia Curtis (Jimmy), Edith Parks, Esther Parks, Josiah Goode, Caelin Jeremiah Kompass, Bethany Evans (Mike), Jake Goode (Emily), Deborah Coltharp (Nick), Grace Smith (Lane), Leah Bilokury (Aaron), and 34 great grandchildren.

    John was a faithful husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, accomplished mechanical engineer and inventor, pastor, teacher, counselor, friend, and devoted follower of his Lord Jesus Christ. He was the founding pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship Church (now Heritage Bible Church) in Conway, Arkansas and a counselor with Rehoboth Ministry, Inc.

    John recognized that he was a sinner with many faults and sins. He understood his need for a Savior, and he put his faith in Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross on his behalf. 

    He loved God and loved people, and his life revolved around pursuing to know and please God and around striving to help others do the same.

    Though he will be greatly missed in his absence from the body, he is now in the presence of his God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Heritage Bible Church, 14 Beaverfork Road, Conway, Arkansas. Receiving of friends will be at 9 a.m. prior to the service.

     Memorial contributions may be made to Family Life Bible Church or the ministry of your choice.