Neal Stuart and Viola M. (Leonard) Gilson with son Neal Stuart Gilson, Jr. (Sep 1985) (Photo submitted by Jonathan Wert)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/20/11 - Image Year: 1985
OBITUARY FOR NEAL STUART "STU" GILSON JR.
NEAL STUART GILSON, JR., 69, of Port Royal RR2 died at 5:10 p.m. Tuesday June 28, 1994 at his residence.
Born July 19, 1924 in Milford Township, Juniata County, he was the son of the late Neal S. Gilson Sr. and Violet [Leonard] Gilson of Locust Grove Retirement Village. HCR 67 Mifflin.
His wife. Barbara [North] Gilson, whom he married June 12, 1947, survives.
Also surviving are: children, James S Gilson, Mrs. William K. [Janet G.] Conn and Mrs. Rodney E. [Joan G.] Bryner, all of Port Royal RR2, and Mrs. Michael R. [Rebecca G.] Trego of Mifflintown RR 1; sister, Margaret G. Crawford, Mifflintown; and three grandchildren.
He was a 1942 graduate of Port Royal High School.
He was a member of Port Royal Presbyterian Church and Union Lodge 324 F&AM.
Mr. Gilson was a retired farmer. He was secretary of the Milford Township Supervisors for 30 years and received the Dave Durenberger Grassroots Government Leadership Award in 1988. This award was given by President Ronald Reagan for Mr. Gilson's devotion and design for replacing five deficient bridges in Milford Township, saving the taxpayers nearly $400,000.
He was also a wood carver.
A memorial service was held Friday July 1, at Brown Funeral Home, Mifflintown, with Rev. Douglas H. Kelley officiating.
Burial was private and held at the family's convenience. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice: The Bridge, 1126 W. Fourth Street, Lewistown, PA 17044 or to Westminster United; Presbyterian Church, 208 Lemon; Street, Mifflintown. PA 17059.
NOTE OF INTEREST:
Stu Gilson became a local legend around Port Royal when he flew a single engine plane under the Juniata River Bridge at Port Royal. This occurred about 1948.
