Alan L. Gilmore

Alan L. "Ace" Gilmore, 74 of Grafton, IL, formerly of Tuscola, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 6, 2026 at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL with graveside services immediately following the visitation at the Lewis Cemetery, rural Tuscola, IL.

Alan was born on February 15, 1952 in Tuscola, the son of Norman R. and Bettye J. Riddle Gilmore. He married Emily J. Garrett on December 24, 2002 in Paris, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Stephanie R. Gilmore of Tolono, Holly (Marc) Bever of Bloomington, IN, Chambry (Adam) King of Deland, FL and Harlan (Jessica) Gilmore of Tuscola, grandchildren: Rosebud King, AJ King, Thad Bever and Hart Bever, stepsons: Andy (Gaelen) Miller of New York City, NY and Kevin Miller of Paris, step-grandson: Max Miller, sisters: Susan Swinford of Champaign, Carol (Bobby) Arnett of Tuscola and Donna Hensler of Champaign, nephews: Travis Swinford, Taylor Swinford and Clay Hensler.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Alan graduated from Tuscola High School in 1970. He spent his early years farming in Douglas and Champaign counties. Alan was an early promoter of ridge till conservation farming and served as a director of the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Alan started his career in municipal government as city superintendent of Tuscola in November 1986. He was instrumental in bringing the Factory Outlet Mall to Tuscola and development of the Iron Horse golf course and subdivision. Alan then moved to Flora, IL where he was the city administrator and worked on plant expansions for North American Lighting and Minwax. In 2001, he relocated to Paris, IL as city administrator again working with American Lighting to build a new plant. He ended his municipal government career in Mattoon from 2006-2009. Alan retired from the Jersey County Business Association in Jerseyville, IL.

He was an avid Chicago Bears fan, enjoyed traveling and watching old movies. Alan loved antique farm equipment and going to tractor pulls.

Alan relished his friendships developed over the years with friends in Tuscola and the many friends he made over the years at each place he worked and the many wonderful neighbors he grew close to in each location. Reminiscing about past adventures and old times was his favorite things and he had endless stories to tell.

Memorials are suggested to the National Memorial of Military Ascent c/o Grafton City Hall, PO Box 287, Grafton, IL 62037, which Alan had been working on the committee to get funded or to the Grafton City Flag Fund c/o Grafton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 403, Grafton, IL 62037

Online condolences may be shared via www.hilligossshraderfh.com