Mervin Dean Gilstrap

Mervin Dean Gilstrap passed away at Montgomery Place in Independence, Kansas, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the age of 88 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on September 24,1938, in Independence, Kansas, to Thebert and Pearl (Coleman) Gilstrap.

Dean graduated from Labette County High School in 1956 in Altamont, Kansas. On July 16, 1960, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Mary Bernd in Cherryvale, Kansas. Together, they shared many years of marriage until her passing on September 20, 2025.

Early in life, he worked as a farmer as well as owning and operating a custom baling and harvesting service. He later began a career as a truck driver for JD Hicks. He then became an owner/operator leasing to Fredonia Truck Line. He also hauled cattle for Olin Goins. He later leased to Driskel Truck Line followed by Austin Trucking before retiring in 2010. Throughout his trucking career, Dean logged more than 5 million miles on the road, a remarkable accomplishment that reflected his dedication, strong work ethic, passion and pride of being behind the wheel of his semi. 

Dean also served in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1957 until 1965. He was also a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cherryvale, Kansas.

In his free time, Dean enjoyed reading, farming, and watching westerns. These simple pleasures brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Gilstrap, and his parents, Thebert and Pearl Gilstrap.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Housel and her husband, Rick, of Cherryvale, Kansas; his daughter, Cindy Van Cleave and her husband, Vernon, of Lenapah, Oklahoma; son, Michael Gilstrap and his wife, Greta, of Independence, Kansas; his sisters, Marlene Barker of Cherryvale, Kansas, and Karen Lynn Taylor of Independence, Kansas. Dean was a proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Jami Bryant, Dusty Housel, Heather Adney, Aaron Winkleman, Lindsey Garrow, Evan Winkleman, Garrett Gilstrap, and Jenna Gilstrap. 23 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild expected to arrive in December, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home - Cherryvale, 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home - Cherryvale with Father Zachary Pinaire, celebrant.

Burial will follow the service at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Cherryvale.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherryvale Food Bank and may be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 216 East 4th Street., Cherryvale, Kansas 67335.