Franklin Leon Gilmore Sr.

Franklin entered the Army in 1959 and served for 30 years and 16 days, retiring in 1989 with the rank of Sergeant Major. While serving his country he received the following awards and citations: Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal// Bronze Star Medal// Good Conduct Medal w/Silver, 4 loops// National Defense Service Medal//Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars//NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 1//Army Service Ribbon//Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 4//Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal//Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge w/Palm//Legion of Merit.

He was a member of the American Legion, VFW Post 8577 in Copperas Cove, the 40 and 8 and the Cooties clubs. He was also a member of the Democrats of Copperas Cove.

He had two great loves in his life: the Army and the Dallas Cowboys. But he also enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle with his friends and dominoes. Later in life he discovered the fun in cruising. After retirement from the Army Franklin, started working for TDCJ for 13 years and then for another 5 years with Enterprise Car Rental Services.

Franklin is preceded in death by his parents William and Laverne Gilmore, brother; OJ and his youngest, son; Charles "Chucky" Gilmore.

He is survived by his wife Gisela Gilmore of Copperas Cove, daughter; Tonia Gilmore, sons; Frank Jr. and wife Tanya, Ray and wife Laura, Paul and fiancé Ruby, his grandchildren; Princton, Fylicia, Melody and husband Glen, Ray Jr. and family, Kris and family, Desean, Marcus Martin, Jessica, Major, Je'Renee, Paetynn, great-grandchildren and former wife; Johelen Badie and husband Bennie and many more families and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.