Earl Preston Gilland

Earl P. Gilland, 89, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, peacefully in his home with family and friends. He was born July 23, 1935 in Montgomery County, Kentucky to the late Ancel Gilland and Carrie (Jackson) Hampton. He married Peggy (Hutton) Gilland on October 31, 1999, and she survives.

Earl served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1962. He was a member of the VFW Post #1152. Earl retired from Schwan's Company as a delivery driver. He enjoyed playing BINGO at the Senior Center and enjoyed collecting. Earl was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Kokomo Shriner's Club and the Masonic Naphtali Lodge #389.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Peggy; two children, Karen Leffert and Greg Gilland; three stepchildren, Connie Hochgesang , Mary Wilburn, and Mike (E.J.) Haynes; seven grandchildren, Andrew Sullivan, Alex Ziesing, Megan Sullivan, Gage Costello, Tanna Hilton, Dakota Gilland and Joseph Hochgesang; three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death is his daughter, Kendra Wilkinson; and brother, Harvey (Joyce) Gilland.

There will be a memorial service for Earl on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, IN with Military rites performed by the United States Army and the VFW Post #1152 Military Rites Team. Pastor Steve Allen will be officiating. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Crown Point at a later date.