David James Gilmore, Air Force veteran
On Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, David James Gilmore went home to his Lord and Savior after a long battle with cancer. David was born Dec. 19, 1946, in Swaziland, South Africa, to the late George and Elizabeth Gilmore.
David graduated from Seaford High School class of 1964. After graduating, David attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. After graduation from the Air Force with the rank of first lieutenant he was assigned to an Air Force fighter squadron as a pilot. David continued time in the Air Force even after he was shot down in Vietnam. He was captured and spent three years, 11 months, and four days in captivity housed at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. After his release he continued to serve in the Air Force, retiring after 20 years as lieutenant colonel.
After a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, David was recruited for the Central Intelligence Agency, which took him all over the world. He retired after 20 years of service. David had various hobbies. He learned at an early age of 8 years old to fly, with his father George at his side. He and his father had a need for speed. After Sunday service they would head out to US113 dragway in Delmar to have fun drag racing.
David loved to build model airplanes, boats and ships in bottles. He was most comfortable and at peace on the water in his boat fishing or just passing time.
He is survived by his loving companion and wife of 14 years Margaret A. Sullivan; two children, Cassie Ashley Gilmore and Jack Ivon Gilmore, and grandson Peyton Ryan Gilmore, all in Miami, Fla.; stepchildren Allen Dale Isner and William Isner; cousin Kathy Dollar; one sibling of Seaford; and a host of nieces, cousins and dear friends.
Services are pending at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s name can be made to Brandywine SPCA, Georgetown, DE 19947.
