Kenneth M. Gilliland Sr.
1928-2022
Bolivar
Kenneth M. Gilliland Sr. 93 of 7932 Rte. 417W passed away on Friday January 21, 2022 in the Highland
Park Care Center Wellsville following a brief illness. Ken was born on August 25, 1928 in Friendship. He
was the son of William and Susan Burdick Gilliland. He married Margaret Nolan on March 30, 1947 in
Bolivar; Mrs. Gilliland preceded him in death in 2001.
Ken was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He was employed as a truck driver for
Portville Forest Products from 1969-1991.
Surviving are two sons, Kenneth (Judy) Gilliland Jr. Bolivar and Michael Gilliland Hinsdale; three daughters,
Rosemary Mesler Bolivar, Kathy (Michael) Mesler Bolivar and Karen (Dave) Empson Allentown; twelve
grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two brothers, Roy Gilliland Bolivar
and Guy (Linda) Gilliland Bolivar; a loving companion Patricia Black Wellsville and several nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Kenneth Gilliland III, and Jason Mesler; son-In-law Dan
Mesler and two sisters, Bernice Baldwin and Janet Small.
Friends may call at the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. Bolivar on Wednesday January 26, 2022 from 3-5 P.M.
Funeral Services will follow at 5 P.M. Elva Cornell pastor of the Bolivar United Methodist Church will
officiate.
Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery Bolivar.
Schaffner Funeral Home
