Chris Dana Gilhousen

1962 - 2018

Chris Dana Gilhousen, age 55, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Penn Highlands Brookville Hospital.

Chris was born on Dec. 1, 1962, to the late Donald D. Gilhousen and Mary Jane (McMillen) Gilhousen; Mary Jane survives him.

He graduated from Brookville High School with the class of 1980. On Oct. 4, 1986, at the Sigel United Methodist Church, he married his high school sweetheart, truly his soulmate, Karen Elaine (Bouch) Gilhousen; Karen survives him.

Chris has an extensive work history which began shortly after high school and included companies such as Matson Lumber, Cook Enterprises (as a line man), and Lineal Industries (pipelining). When Karen and Chris' family began to grow, he went back to school and earned his certifications as a machinist. These skills helped him procure positions with Miller Welding, Owens Illinois, and for the last 20 years he has worked for General Electric building locomotives.

Chris is a lifelong member of the Sigel United Methodist Church. He was gifted with his hands and intelligent enough to figure out almost anything on his own. He was able to perform all manor of work that involved using his hands. He loved being able to set an example for his children, showing them how to take pride in their work and passing on life skills like wrenching their cars.

He was very proud of his children and loved being involved in all aspects of their lives. He coached baseball and football for all his boys and was proud of the men that they have become; his daughter is especially dear to him. Chris never complained about anything and he was a talented artist. He was the kindest man who would do and did anything to help friends and strangers alike. He preferred to be outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved taking walks in the woods with Karen. Being able to surprise and spoil Karen was a passion he had. They traveled together seeing new places, trying new foods, and simply taking in the good aspects of life together as a couple. He loved being Poppa to his grandchildren; he talked about them constantly and he was very into their wants, needs, and likes. Chris was a wonderful man who leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

In addition to his wife and mother, Chris is survived by his children: Nicholas Cody (Kelly) Gilhousen, Tiffany Brooke (Ian) Musgrave, Conan Arlington Gilhousen, Dane Fredrick Gilhousen; three grandchildren: Tyler Angus Musgrave, Nathanial Arlington Musgrave, Cora Reign Gilhousen; and three brothers: Donald Scott Gilhousen, Paul Clayton Gilhousen, Drew Allen (Lorrie) Gilhousen.

Chris' arrangements will remain private at the family's convenience. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Sigel United Methodist Church, 8666 PA-949, Sigel, PA, 15860. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the McKinney – d'Argy Funeral Home, ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville, PA, 15825.

Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com