Edward David Gillen

February 10, 1937 - May 21, 2015

Edward David Gillen passed away at his home on May 21 after a long illness. Ed was born in Ione, Wash. on Feb. 10, 1937 to Edward M. and Ruth Gillen.

In 1947, Creighton B. Leonard married Ruth and raised Ed as his own child. Ed's early years were spent in Yakima, Seattle and Moses Lake.

He loved sports from an early age and proved to be an outstanding athlete setting school records, one of which remains today.

He attended Eastern Washington University for a while and in 1958 married Carolyn Barnett in Moses Lake. Here they had their two children.

With warm summers, snowy winters, and lots of friends and family, he enjoyed all that Moses Lake had to offer. Ed married his best friend, Mary Grending in 1979 and settled for good in Finley, Wash.

Ed's career as a pipefitter took him and his family to jobs all over the U.S. and spanned well over 40 years.

With a heart of gold, he kept his friends and family close; loved reminiscing youthful antics and always had a funny story to tell. He enjoyed the outdoors, his dogs, and the simple things in life.

Ed was honored for his football, track, and baseball achievements by his induction into the Moses Lake Sports Hall of Fame.

He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 38 years; two brothers, Greg (Debbie) and Jim Leonard; a sister, Darylann Craddock; two children, Shannon Richardson and Mitch (Karen) Gillen; four grandchildren, Krystina (Chris) Eals, Chelsea (Willie) Guelcher, Samantha and Zachary Ainsley; and four great-grandchildren, Connor and Parker Eals, Caiden and Gavin Guelcher. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

By Ed's request, there will be no service.

You are invited to please share a memory on the Tribute Wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.