Donald Lewis Gilstrap

Donald Lewis Gilstrap, one of Bainbridge’s oldest residents at 93, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Aug. 5, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.

Don was born in Lawrence County on March 12, 1929 to the late Doyle W. Gilstrap and Geneva Gilstrap-Brown.

Don was a 1947 graduate of Shawswick High School.

Don grew up in Pinhook on the farm. He had a very strong work ethic and never shirked a job that needed to be done.

He moved to the Putnam County area in 1957, where he farmed for 10 years. He worked for different agri-businesses, managing grain elevators for 14 years. He later worked as a millwright at the Navistar engine plant, retiring in 1996.

Don enjoyed the outdoors gardening, growing flowers and tropical plants and watching the birds, but especially mowing his lawn. He loved nothing more than to get on his beloved riding mower and mow for hours. He also loved all kinds of music and all kinds of sports. He could often be found in his recliner with baseball on one large-screen TV and golf on the other, sound turned off (because he, “Didn’t like to listen to those announcers.”) and listening to his music.

Don was a member of the Fairview Community Church. He was also a 50-plus year member of Roachdale Masonic Lodge 602.

Don was married twice. With his first wife he had nine children, Donald II, Susan, Winton, Richard, Melinda, David, Julia, John and Joseph. Later he married Ivyl Lucille Gibson in 1972. They were married for 43 years before she preceded him in death on Sept. 16, 2015.

He is survived by his stepchildren who dearly loved him, Vicki Windmiller (Larry), Donna Wendling (Hal), Denise Haulk (Raymond), Roger Gibson (Loretta) and Rob Gibson (Michelle) and son-in-law Rich Phillips (Kim), along with 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters, Anna Farris and Helen Johnson (Pete).

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ivyl Lucille Gilstrap; a son, Joseph Gilstrap; a stepdaughter, LuAnn Phillips; and siblings Harold “Monk” Gilstrap and Gloria Padgett.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Hendricks Regional Hospital, Mill Pond Health Campus and especially Life’s Journey of Avon for their exceptional kindnesses and caring for Don these last few weeks. We are most grateful.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Bainbridge Community Center, 201 U.S. 36, Bainbridge. The service will be conducted by the family as their last tribute to Don. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until service time also at the Bainbridge Community Center. Burial will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery in Morton.

You are invited to visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may leave an online condolence for the family.

Servies & Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with Don Gilstrap’s funeral arrangements.