Obituaries detail

Return to Listings
Stephen Hale Gillilan
Oct 18, 1963 - Mar 17, 2022

Stephen Hale Gillilan passed into memory on March 17, 2022, crossing over to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

He was always known as Even Stephen, so if the trade for a life cut short was the life he was given with his family, church, community, and experience- well, then he came out as even as it gets.

 

Born October 18, 1963 in Jefferson City, MO. Stephen was the youngest of three boys. He attended school in Jefferson City through graduation, played the drums, spent time on the Lake of Ozarks, and graduated with the Class of 1982. Many of his best friends are from that class.

 

He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, graduating in 1987 with a BSEd in Secondary Education. A True Son, he loved Mizzou. He loved learning, the campus, and Mizzou sports. Every year they brought him joy and despair, but he loved them because they were just kids who deserved praise for their commitment and sacrifice, no matter what the outcome.

 

In the fall of 1987, Stephen was accepted in the United States Peace Corps and was assigned to Mainohana High School, Bereina Central Province, Papua New Guinea. He taught English and Mathematics. He coached soccer, and track and field. He loved the job. It shaped his world view and his work ethic. He was immensely proud that he served his country.

 

Stephen completed his Tour of Service with the Peace Corps and returned to Missouri. He took a teaching position with the Lincoln County R4 Schools in Winfield, MO, teaching Social Studies and Mathematics. He coached varsity soccer, and junior high basketball. It was here that he met his future wife, Marta Valerie Myers. It was not love at first sight, but they worked together, and then he made her laugh. They became friends and then she fell in love with him, because he was in love with her.

 

They married on May 29th, 1993, and left the US, taking positions with the Anglo-American School in Sofia, Bulgaria. They spent three years there, teaching and traveling. In the third year, Haley Hope was born. Stephen decided to change his career trajectory at the time. The family returned to the US and to Mizzou, where Stephen earned an MBA. In the winter of 1998, Stephen took a position at Sprint in Kansas City, MO. Soon after, Nathan Myers was born and the family settled in Lee’s Summit, MO.

 

For the next 24 years, Stephen worked at Sprint/T-Mobile in corporate positions in audit, security, and compliance. He loved being a backseat quarterback. It was his true gift, telling others that they were wrong.

 

Stephen and Marta joined Lakeland Community Church in 1999, beginning a journey of service and community. Marta would join the staff, and Stephen served in the children’s ministry from 2000 to 2020. He loved Lakeland, leading men’s groups for many years, and finding a community that he dearly loved and admired.

 

Stephen loved his life. He was born into a family of love, found love for 29 years with his wife, and watched his children grow into kind, funny, engaged adults. He believed that he led the life of a king.

 

He was a student of history and politics. He had a heart for the poor and needy, children, and animals. He was known for his generous spirit, always quietly giving away all his money. He took joy in helping people with their taxes, going to the library, and watching Law and Order.

 

Stephen leaves behind his father and mother, Charles Robert and Mary Lou Gillilan, his two older brothers Scott (Tracy) Gillilan, Mike (Lesley) Gillilan, his wife Marta and his children, Haley Hope and Nathan Myers. Sasha, their beloved family dog, has been waiting on the other side for a walk and a bowl of whipped cream. M-I-Z!

 

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 11am, 10am visitation. Service will be held at Lakeland Community Church, 913 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lakeland Community Church, dedicated to their Benevolence fund or Welcoming the Stranger ministry.
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Lakeland Community Church
Address:
913 NE Colbern Rd.
City:
Lee's Summit
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64086
Date of Service:
Mar 26, 2022
Time of Service:
10:00 am
Additional Information:

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 11am, 10am visitation. Service will be held at Lakeland Community Church, 913 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lakeland Community Church, dedicated to their Benevolence fund or Welcoming the Stranger ministry.
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Lakeland Community Churh
Address:
913 NE Colbern Rd.
City:
Lee's Summit
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64086
Date of Service:
Mar 26, 2021
Time of Service:
11:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Mike Finley Mar 19, 2022

Friend and coworker ,Olathe ,Kansas

My sincere condolences go out the Gillian family. I will miss my buddy and old friend.

Cindy Konomos Mar 19, 2022

Marta, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I fell like God gave me something today that was a comfort to me. I will print copy and send it you. May God hold you in in His wonderful arms for as long as you need to get you through this difficult time. Cindy

Brian & Kerry Bubalo Mar 19, 2022

friends and members of Lakeland ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

The obituary is a beautiful memorial story of Steve's life. He is a blessing to his family, friends, church and community. Our heart felt prayers are lifted to heaven for Marta and Haley and Nate and family and friends. May the Lord surround you with peace and fill you with hope and comfort you with His love. We love you. Brian and Kerry

Gary Guider Mar 20, 2022

Former co-worker ,Belton ,Missouri

So sorry for your loss. I knew Steve for many years at Sprint. He was a good man and will be missed.

Rhonda Whithaus Mar 20, 2022

Haley’s friend ,Columbia ,Missouri

He sounds like a wonderful man and I’m sorry I did not get to meet him. The humor and kindness described above are apparent in Haley. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories and family provide comfort.

Tonya Allen Mar 21, 2022

Sending my deepest condolences. Thinking of the Gillilan family.

Susan Mitchell Mar 21, 2022

co-worker ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am grateful I had the opportunity to know Steve. A great guy! My condolences.

Ellen Li Mar 21, 2022

Colleague ,KIRKLAND ,Washington

My sincerest condolences to the Gillilan family and friends. I pray that God will comfort your family during this difficult time. May he richly bless you as you mourn, and may the light of His presence be a continual source of consolation.

Ricardo “Rick” Leal Mar 21, 2022

Co-worker and friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Steve, I always loved our interactions and speaking about similiar experiences. If you knew Steve…you knew he loved to read. He had a book with him daily and I always showed interest and would ask? What are you reading these days, Steve? He would typically give me a short rundown on the subject of interest…it was usually during lunch in the pop site! Always showed encouragement and you could see and hear his wheels turning. Thank you for being a friend and mentor to so many and keeping that daily smile. You are missed by many and your legacy will live on and shine through in all those who were blessed to know you. Sending love and prayers to the Gillilan Family. RL❤️

Jonathan Leonard Mar 21, 2022

Colleague ,Washington

To a kind, smart, and caring colleague (and fellow drummer). My sincerest condolences to Steve's family and dear friends. Steve will surely be missed.

Jorge Gracia Mar 22, 2022

Former Colleague ,Naples ,Florida

Gillilan Family - My heartfelt condolences on Steve’s passing. I had the pleasure of working closely with Steve for over 5 years at Sprint and can honestly say I never met a nicer or more decent man. He was very much loved and respected by his colleagues and always spoke lovingly of his family. When I last spoke to him when he was ailing in November, he was of course as gracious as ever and focused on everyone but himself. He will be greatly missed. We will keep you all in our prayers. Jorge Gracia & Family

Connie Woods Wright Mar 22, 2022

Friend ,Forney ,Texas

Dear sweet Marta, so sorry to hear about your loss. Your husband sounds like he was a wonderful man. If memory serves me right, you were the one growing up that always considered how things would make someone else feel. It only makes sense that your husband was a kind and giving person. I’m praying for you and your children and his parents and siblings to find peace in your memories as days go by. May God watch over you and hold you in the palm of His hand. Much sympathy and love to you. Connie (Woods) Wright

Joe Butin Mar 23, 2022

Former colleague ,Olathe ,Kansas

My sincerest condolences go out to Steve's family and friends. I am privileged to have known and worked with him.

Justin Crone Mar 26, 2022

Family Friend ,Oklahoma City ,Oklahoma

You know, when Gavin was first born, I had a lot to think about, but the thing that came to mind most often were the role models that I had growing up. There were many, of course, my father, authors I enjoyed, teachers that tolerated me, but the person that I always came back to was Stephen. I always remembered the way that no matter what Nathan or Haley happened to be interested in, he not only encouraged them to pursue that interest, but joined in and was a part of it. Whether it be the books that Haley read, or Digimon, when Nathan and I enjoyed that show together, and even having a birthday party with foam swords and letting children whack each other with them, he always took an active role in whatever his children were doing. This is the kind of father I hope to be even half of. I hope that I can be the kind of dad that always engages with his child's interest, and takes the extra step to encourage Gavin to pursue whatever he wants. Stephen had a lasting mark on me, and what I am sure is a long list of people who will remember him for the rest of their lives. He was the kind of dad that made you want to play at Nathan's house, because he was the cool dad.

Mike Noss Mar 26, 2022

Co-Worker ,Spring Hill ,Kansas

I had the pleasure of working with Steve for many years at Sprint and T-Mobile. He truly was a good friend and I will miss our morning coffee meetings where we talked about a wide variety of topics. I always admired how he never complained about his illness and showed so much concern about what was going on in my life. Anyone who knew Steve was blessed to have him in their life.