WOLCOTTVILLE, IN – Blaine “Pete” Alan Gilliland, age 92, of rural Wolcottville, died peacefully on May 1, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1932, in rural Scioto County, OH to the late Ora and Naomi Ruth (Yeley) Gilliland. He was a 1950 graduate of Portsmouth East High School and served in the Navy after graduation. On November 22, 1958, in South Bend, IN, he married his sweetheart, Beverly Gilliland, who preceded him in death 8 weeks ago. Blaine worked as a parts man for his in-law’s family implement business. After the business closed, Blaine worked for Interstate Farm Equipment in Ashley and then Topeka Implement into his late 80’s. He was also a 4-H leader for over 65 years, a member of the Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, and served on the Lagrange County REMC board for many years. Friends and family will remember “Pete” and Beverly attending most events at Prairie Heights High School for over 50 years. He and Beverly were named Mighty Oaks by the Prairie Heights FFA chapter for their many years of service in the community.

Surviving are three brothers W. Frank (Corina), Mike (Tamara), and Neil (Sheila); children, Brent (Vicki), Brian, Brenda (Dan) Avery, Bradley (Michel), and Barbara (Roy) Howe; grandchildren, Amber (Brandon) Collins, Jaclyn (Joe) Dees, Abigail (Tanner) Perkins, Charity (Jared) Seider, Joshua (Kaylee) Avery, Aaron (Brittainy) Gilliland, Austin (Hannah) Gilliland, Erica (Gabriel) Miller, Amanda (Ty) Krusz, Brandon (Sarah) Gilliland, Evan (Mickelle) Gilliland, Brandon (Tosha) Howe, and Bret (Andrea) Howe, and 26 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 PM at New Life Apostolic Church, 609 Patty Ln, Kendallville, IN 46755, as well as on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 AM, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM officiated by Reverend Brent Gilliland and Pastor Austin Gilliland. Burial will be at Lake Bethel Cemetery, Lagrange, IN. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Tuesday between 2:00-4:00 PM. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church or to Lagrange County 4-H, in honor of Blaine. For more information and to view his online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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