Osmore Gilman Obituary

Osmore Duane Gilman

April 19, 1942 – July 1, 2025

Osmore Duane Gilman, age 83, of Lunenburg, VT, passed away July 1, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Duane was born April 19, 1942, at the old Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury, VT, the third son of Edwin R. Gilman and Rena B. (Noyes) Gilman. He was educated at the Lyndon Center Campus School and Lyndon Institute. He graduated from Lyndon Institute Class of 1960.

He was a life member of the American Legion Post 30 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10038 in Lyndonville. He was also a charter member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1779 in St. Johnsbury, VT.

He first married Jean Magill in 1965. They had one son, Thomas Duane, of Bugby Crossing Road, West Burke, VT.

In 2002, he married his best friend and soulmate, JoAnne Bartlett Comeau. They did not have any children.

He had five brothers and one sister: David Gilman and wife Connie of Twin Falls, ID and Stuart, FL, Donald Gilman and wife Linda of Lyndon Center, VT, Douglas Gilman and wife Linda of Ocala, FL, Dale Gilman of Lyndon Center, VT, Delmer (Duffy) Gilman and wife Myalin of Soda Springs, ID and Deborah (Gilman) Demers and husband Pierre of Bloomfield, NM.

He is survived by his wife JoAnne, son Thomas Duane Gilman of Bugby Crossing Road, West Burke VT and three grandchildren: Jacob, Owen and Olivia Gilman.

Upon graduation from Lyndon Institute in 1960, Duane enlisted for four years in the United States Navy. He later rejoined the Vermont Army National Guard unit located in Lyndonville, VT. He had 30 years of military service. After Navy boot camp in the Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, IL, he went to “A” school in the Naval Training Center in Memphis, TN. He served time in Okinawa, Japan and spent time (2 years) aboard the aircraft carrier, the John H. Hancock (CVA19).

Duane’s love of country music started him playing with his two uncles Reg and Arland Noyes. They formed a band called “The Country Gentlemen” and enjoyed playing for dances and other functions. He formed another band called “The Country Ramblers”, with his longtime friend and super lead guitar player, Donald Salls of Lyndonville, VT and continued playing music for another 40 years. Donnie started in 1978. He met his wife, JoAnne, while looking for a Bass player and they formed another group called “White Rose”. The White Rose band played for many dances and private parties for many years. Due to medical problems (Parkinson’s) Duane had to back away from playing music in 2020. Over the years a great friendship was formed with all musicians.

JoAnne was instrumental in caregiving, and a special thank you to Donna Gray and Tim Gilman of Newark, VT for the awesome hospice care.

Guibord-Pearsons & Sayles Funeral Home of Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury VT is in charge of arrangements.

Duane wished to be cremated with graveside services only, with a gathering of family and friends to follow. The service will take place on July 12, 2025, 11AM at Lyndon Center Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.CaledoniaLifeServices.com