Dr. John I. Gilson, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. John was born on Tuesday, March 20, 1923, in Port Royal, Juniata County, to the late William H. Gilson and Margaret (Dysinger) Gilson.
John was the widower of Jessie Elizabeth (Shellenberger) Gilson to whom he was married for 68 years.
In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by his son, William ''Fritz'' Gilson, and hIs siblings. Helen Macknair and Laird Gllson.
Left in this world to honor him is his daughter, Pamela Gilson Kelley, his five grandchildren; Hannah Gilson, Lauren Gilson, Jessie Gilson, Megan Kelley and Susannah Kelley. Also surviving are his brother Robert Gilson and his wife Alice; and a sister Sara Burchfield.
John was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, serving two years in the South Pacific as a gunner and radio operator with the 89th Bomb Squadron. He returned home after the war to attend Franklin & Marshall College and Temple University Dental School. After graduation, he located to Mechanicsburg to establish his dental practice. Dr. Gilson served his community for 50 years; was a member of the American Dental Association, and member and past president of Harrisburg Area Dental Society and the Medical Bureau of Harrisburg.
John and his wife worshipped at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill.
Services and cremation will be held at the convenience of the family.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street. Camp Hill. PA 17011.
John's family has entrusted his care to Myers-Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read John's full obituary and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 12/1/22 - Image Year: 1941
CLASS of 41: (Front Row l-r) A. Kepner, J. Short, D. Seacrist, D. McCachren, B Isenberg, M Leonard, L Andrews, M Taylor, C Turbett, M Kline; (Middle Row), R. Frankhouse, J. Krug, M. Wert, M. Towsey, E. Pomeroy, I. McConnell, F. Souders, G. Towsey, V. Brackbill, R. Long, E. Page, H. Deen; (Back Row) A. Crimmel, Miles Heckendorn, J. Gilson, G. Landis, W. Boyer, J. Robinson, N. Ernest, W. Stouffer, D. Brubaker, Max Hackedorn, G. Miller. (Missing R. Gibbons)
Contributed by ray on 1/9/13 - Image Year: 1943
HOME ON LEAVE: John Gilson at home on leave during World War II.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/9/13 - Image Year: 1943
WORLD WAR II SERVICE: John Gilson during World War II, eventually awarded Air Medal for taking part in thirty-two missions. (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/9/13 - Image Year: 1943
WILLIAM GILSON FAMILY: (Seated l-r) Maggie, Helen, William (Standing l-r) John, Laird, Sara Grace, Robert (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by ray on 1/9/13 - Image Year: 1945
GILSON-SHELLENBERGER WED: John I. Gilson weds Jessie Shellenberger at Blytheville Presbyterian Church July 13, 1944. (L-R) Rev. Harvey T. Kidd, Edward L. Dembecki, St. Sgt. John Gilson, Jessie Shellenberger Gilson, Mrs. Edward Dembecki (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
