Earl Van Wayne Gillenwater

Earl Van Wayne Gillenwater, 94, of Stephens City, Virginia, died Saturday, September 13, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born June 22, 1931 in Wise, VA, the son of Earl Porter Gillenwater, and Lola Jessee Gillenwater.

He joined the First Baptist Church of Clarendon in 1950. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served his country in the 7th Army 12th Chemical maintenance division. He joined the National Campers & Hikers Association in 1966. He started the Virginia chapter National Camping Travelers (NCT) unit 563 in 1959 and remained a member through out his lifetime. He worked for NIH from 1962- 1990. He was Chief of Construction Planning Branch from 1982- 1990. He became a Master Mason in 1967 - Columbia Lodge #285, Arlington, VA. After moving to Stephens City, VA in 2007 he joined Valley Bible Church in Stephens City.

He married Anna Belle May on October 6, 1951 in Arlington, Virginia.

Along with his wife Anna, he is survived by his two sons, David Wayne Gillenwater and his wife Mona of Stephens City, VA, and Daniel Lee Gillenwater and his wife Maureen of Shenandoah, Virginia, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by three sisters, Clarabell Mawyer and Ouida Holibonich, and Opal Jean Clements.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester, VA. The funeral service will follow at Jones funeral home 11:00 am with Pastor Dennis W. Smith officiating.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.jonesfuneralhomes.com