Richard L. Gilligan

Richard Gilligan, age 83 of Carson, Iowa, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 20, 2010.

Richard Lee Gilligan, one of four children of Harry Edward Gilligan and Edith Sylvia (Cooney) Gilligan, was born on October 28, 1926 in Oakland, Iowa. He attended school and graduated from Carson High School in 1944. Following school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1944 to 1955, attaining the rank of Corporal.

Richard and Ellen Laura (Bloom) Eyberg were married on October 13, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska and made their home in Carson, Iowa. Richard's family grew to include Ellen's son, Richard "Rick". In the early 1970's, Richard and Ellen took a vacation to the Southwest. They enjoyed the area so much; they purchased land and built a home in Apache Junction, Arizona. Richard was employed as a mechanic in nearby Mesa. They moved back to Carson in the early 1980's.

Richard and Ellen had been married 52 years when Ellen passed away at the Northcrest Care Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on February 21, 2004. Richard continued to live in their Carson home until entering the Oakland Manor in Oakland, Iowa on April 23, 2004.

Richard was a member of the Carson American Legion Post 556 and the Arizona Disabled Veterans.

Richard passed away on July 20, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 22 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Gilligan; his mother Edith Laranger; wife Ellen Eyberg Gilligan; and brother Edwin Gilligan.

Richard is survived by his stepson Rick Eyberg and wife Grace of Casa Grande, AZ; four step grandchildren; one step great grandchild; sisters, Mavis LaViolette of Buena Park, CA, and Madonna Saulisberry of Parris, CA; sister-in-law Loma Gilligan of Oroville, CA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Hertz Funeral Home of Carson in charge of arrangements.