David Eugene Gilkey, 75, passed away February 1, 2022 at Hays Medical Center, Hays.

He was born May 24, 1946 in Hominy, Oklahoma, the son of Durward M. and Evelyn Maxine Minix Gilkey.

An area resident since 1975, he was an oil operator. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and enjoyed socializing at the casino, hunting, fishing, gardening, and doing anything with his dog Lucky. David loved watching his grandkids play sports. He served in the United States Navy.

He married Leonella "Nelli" A. Meyeres at Miami, Oklahoma; she survives.

Other survivors include: two sons, David (Katie) Gilkey, Hutchinson, Adam (Amy) Gilkey, McPherson; three daughters, Tammy (Jon) Nickless, Imperial, Nebraska, Stephannie (Mitchell) Nicol, Holton, Ammie (Robert) Schibler, Gruver, Texas; sixteen grandchildren, Taylar, Ragan, Colby, and Paige Nickless, Reilly, Carson, Hayden Stumpff, Brodey, and Emersyn Nicol, Logan and Rhett Gilkey, Dylaney and Jefferson Weaver, and Quincy Schibler, Finn and Addison Gilkey; two step grandchildren, Montana Nicol and Mikyla (Caleb) Hill; his sister, Nyla; and his faithful dog, Lucky.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Durward and Maxine Gilkey; three brothers, Jerry, Melvin, and Fred; a sister, Tina; and a grandson, Ryder Nicol.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 14, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Tom Hudson presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at www.facebooklive.com. Military Rites will be presented by the United States Navy and Larned VFW Post 2271.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Semper Fi Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.