Charles Edward Gilley

Charles Edward Gilley, 76, died peacefully at his home in Prescott, Arizona on Saturday, April 23, 2005, after a long illness. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Everett and Nancy (DeYoung) Gilley.   Charles was a cum laude graduate of Michigan Technological University with  a B. S. Degree in Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was employed in the engineering department of the A.T. & S.F. Railway in Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, for thirty-nine years and retired as  Director-Structures. Charles was a licensed Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer.  As a young man he was sent to Arizona in charge of bridges and drainage on the Williams  to Crookton, and Abra to Skull Valley railroad relocations. He fell in love with the country and moved to Prescott with his wife after his retirement. Until recently, he was a consultant with Hansen-Wilson Engineering regarding railroad bridges. He was highly regarded by the Railroad Industry and his employees for his ability and professionalism.   Charles was a modest and kindly man, with a dry wit and hearty laugh. He loved his family dearly and even in his very busy life always found time to share life with his family. Always a gentleman, he was loved and respected by his family and friends. Charles loved to play tennis, hike and sky and to work in his garden. He read extensively, preferring books on history. He could recite Chaucer, could fix almost anything and for years did his own maintenance and repair work on his home. He loved nature, always noticing the beautiful changing sky, the sunrise and sunset, the first budding trees and flowers in the spring and the beautiful colors in the fall. Often, to the delight and entertainment of his children, he would burst into song with his repertoire of zany melodies. Charlie thanked God for his many blessings and his family thanks God for him.   His wife of 49 years, Eleanor, his daughter Mary Elizabeth of Scottsdale, Arizona; his son John Charles of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister Marilyn Lew Allen of Howell, Michigan; three nieces and a nephew, survive Charles. He leaves a big void in his family and in the lives of those who had the opportunity to know him. A Celebration of Charles life will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2005 at Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, Corner of Cortez and Carleton Streets, Prescott, Arizona, with Mr. Ken Frederick, Celebrant officiating.   Family suggests memorial contributions be made in Charles name to YRMC Hospice, 3262 N. Windsong, P. O. Box 26565, Prescott, Arizona 86312 or to Cottey College Scholarship Fund, 1000 West Austin, Nevada, Missouri, 64772