Donald Warren Gilman

Donald Gilman, age 74, passed away November 9, 2016 at his home in Long Beach, MS, surrounded by family. He was born July 20, 1942 in Portland, Maine. After working as a hotel manager for many years, he traveled the rails as an Amtrak conductor. After retirement, he worked as a bus driver for the Long Beach schools, where he quickly became known as ""Paw Paw"" to the students on his route. In the mornings, he could be found in his outdoor camp chair sipping coffee; in the evenings, he could be found in that same chair, enjoying a Coors Light and multiple Marlboro's. During these times, he almost always sported a Broncos cap, which has become one of the most sought after items in his estate.
He will be greatly and deeply missed by all he considered his children, Kristi James of Long Beach, MS, Kerrie Schultz, Kathi Gilman and Kyle Gilman of Denver, CO, Ed James of Pass Christian, MS, Allison Frieling of Denver, CO, Kevin Dearmon and Jason Niblett of Laurel, MS, Vivian Noe, Chris Gomez, and Lindsey Noe of Aurora, CO. His grandchildren, Stephanie, Krissy and Haley, will miss their Paw Paw tremendously. He will also be sorely missed by his two sisters, Betty (Wayne) Gerry and Rita Garland, along with other extended family. Additionally, Bear and Sugar miss their buddy.
We would like to thank Dr. Stephanie Fussell and the staff at Memorial Oncology for all their amazing care and compassion over the past year. As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations in Mr. Gilman's name to the Memorial Hospital Foundation Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 940, Gulfport, MS 39502 (www.memorialhospitalfoundation.com).
As he wished, the family will host a celebration of Don's life on November 19, 2016 from 4-6 PM at Bull's Restaurant, 300 Jeff Davis Avenue, Long Beach, MS.
Rest easy Paw Paw, we'll miss you.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach served the family. An online obituary may be viewed and tributes offered to the family at www.riemannfamily