ILION - Mr. William C. "Bill" Gilman, 90, formerly of Elizabethtown Rd., most recently of Acme Rd. (Shady Creek Estates), entered into eternal rest peacefully early Saturday morning, December 6, 2008 in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. Mr. Gilman was born on February 17, 1918 in Little Falls, son of the late Fred and Elizabeth (Mann) Gilman and graduated from Mohawk High School. Bill was a proud United States Veteran serving with the Army enlisting on October 8, 1942 and was honorably discharged on November 23, 1945, holding the rank of Corporal`. He was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal, American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was united in marriage to Hazel Dievendorf on May 1, 1942 in North Columbia Methodist Church. She passed away on February 13, 2001 after a union of 58 years. He was married to Catherine (Papa) Cushman of Frankfort on January 11, 2003 in the Frankfort Methodist Church. Mr. Gilman's last professional employment was with the United States Post Office, Ilion, NY where he was a letter carrier retiring in 1972 after 23 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Local 338 National Association of Letter Carriers. In his later years he enjoyed working with Don Applegate and the Applegate Funeral Home as a door greeter and driver. Bill was an extremely active member with the North Columbia Methodist Church serving as treasurer for 25 years, and also served as trustee and sexton for the North Columbia Methodist Church Cemetery. He was also lay delegate to the Northern New York Methodist Church conference for over 20 years. Bill was a man who always put the needs of others before his own and spent much time volunteering at Folts Homes, Herkimer. He also was a member/teacher for the Higher Trail Class of the North Columbia Methodist Church. As of recent, Mr. Gilman and his wife Catherine attended Morning Star Ministries between Ilion and Frankfort. An honest, skilled and hard working man, Bill was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man who was deeply devoted to his family as well as a great provider. He simply enjoyed making people happy and many will remember his role as "Poppi" the clown where he would entertain and minister to children. Survivors include his wife Catherine of Ilion; a daughter and son in law: Carol and Stephen Brown of Mohawk; one son and daughter in law: Robert and Linda Gilman of Ilion; step-children: Sandra and Art Mahon of Florida, Ross and Blanche Cushman of Florida, Paul and Connie Cushman of Kingston, NY; his cherished grandchildren: Mr. and Mrs. Robert LaBarge of Charleston, SC, Clyde and Tricia (LaBarge) Diedrich of Mohawk, Christopher Brown of Ilion, Tori Brown of Ilion, Rebecca Gilman of Mohawk, Melanie Gilman of Ilion, and Patty Gilman Johnson and Husband Greg of Ilion; his adored great grandchildren: Emily Gilman of Ilion, Christina and Taylor Brown of Ilion, Hailey and Paige Manley of Ilion, Hanna and Aliya Ghabour of Ilion, Kevin Diedrich and Jason Diedrich of Mohawk, Hudson and Baylee LaBarge of SC, and Jack Johnson of Ilion; step grandchildren: Darcy and Jerry Pappas of Albany, Craig and Sarah Bartholomew of Florida, Clark and Tanya Bartholomew, Sam Cushman and Katie Cushman; step-great grandchildren: Noah and Christian Pappas, Alex and Colin Bartholomew and Justin, Michael, and Eric Bartholomew; in laws: Albert and Theresa Dievendorf of Florida, Clark and Ellen Dagenkolb of Richfield Spa., Maurice and MaryLou Hodder of Schoharie, Amelia and Thomas Loiacono of Frankfort, Mary Vivacqua of the Masonic Home, Utica, and Phyllis Keeley and husband Jim of Camden, all of who very special to Bill. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by two great grandchildren: Kevin LaBarge and Makhi Gilman. Mr. Gilman's funeral will commence on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 6 p.m. from the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., (between Ilion and Frankfort) 894-8000 with the Rev. Hans Drews, pastor, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may pay their respects at the funeral home from 3-6 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place in the spring of 2009 in North Columbia Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded.The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion especially mentioning the 2nd and 4th floors for their dedication, compassion and extraordinary care. In lieu of floral pieces, kindly consider memorial offerings to the North Columbia Methodist Church Memorial Fund or to Morning Star Ministries; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral parlor. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Don Applegate, funeral director.