Charles Allen "Al" Gilmon

Charles Allen Gilmon, 72, passed away at his home in Chehalis, Wash., on Monday, September 23, 2019. Charles was born in Chehalis on May 26, 1947, to Charles C. and Margie Lou (Settle) Gilmon. He graduated from High School in 1966, and married Carol Ann McReynolds in Chehalis on December 22 of that same year. The couple later divorced, but remained supportive of one another. Charles proudly served our country with the United States Navy, enlisting in October of 1966. Basic training saw him traveling to San Diego, Calif. He was sent to Charleston, SC., on the USS Ranger (CV-61) and was soon transferred to Roda, Spain, where he worked on Nuclear Submarine Tenders. One of his favorite memories of the time spent in Spain was racing go carts in a 24 car enduro race and winning against the Spaniards. In his early years, he volunteered at the Mossyrock Horse and Riders Club and Chehalis Rotary. He was a machinist and fabricator with a sharp mind and ability to build anything out of metal. He owned his own business, BC & C Service Welding and Metal Fab Shop, and made toys for underprivileged children in the area. Charles loved to go shooting and hunting, going horseback riding in high country, building cars, collecting firearms, being with his friends, and telling stories. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Hank (Marilyn) Gilmon of Chehalis. Charles is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Vern) Chandler of Chehalis; son, Jim (Christine) Gilmon of Chehalis; grandchildren, Marissa, Elijah, and Maya, also of Chehalis; brother, Robert (Gwyneth) Gilmon of Ketchikan, Ak.; and numerous cousins and other extended family members. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 11, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S Gold Street, Centralia. A luncheon will follow the service at Logan Hill Grange, 105 Hewitt Rd, Chehalis.