Michael Thomas Gilmore

Michael "Happy" Thomas Gilmore
December 18, 1954 – May 15, 2025
Michael "Happy" Thomas Gilmore passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by love.
He was born on December 18, 1954, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of John Patrick Gilmore Sr. and Helen Winifred Gilmore (Harry). The youngest of five children, Mike brought laughter and joy to everyone he met.
His radio career began in 1980 with KKOW in Pittsburg and spanned more than four decades, making him a familiar friend to many. He brought life and light to every room he entered, paired with an unmistakable drive, grit, and deep dedication to his craft. As station manager and director of sales for the Sunny/KNZA Radio Group in Falls City, Nebraska, he helped countless local businesses and organizations grow, always putting his clients' needs first. Though he retired from full-time radio in 2022, Mike never truly stopped working. Even in the months leading up to his passing, he stayed busy with radio projects and part-time work as a chauffeur for Z-Trip and Happy Transport.
Service was central to Mike's life. He organized annual fundraisers for the Richardson County Cancer Fund to support families during their most vulnerable moments. He was also a devoted member of the Elks, serving in several capacities, including as Exalted Ruler.
But even more remarkable than his storied career and years of service to the Pittsburg and Falls City communities,was Mike's heart. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, and welcome. Babies and dogs adored him. Strangers became friends in minutes.
Mike was a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and his beloved alma mater, the Pittsburg State Gorillas. But above all, he was Hannah's Papa-her biggest fan and constant cheerleader. He often said that being a grandpa was the greatest joy of his life.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Cassie Gilmore; his cherished granddaughter, Hannah Gilmore-Hodge; his brother, Glen Gilmore (Verla); and his sister, Mary Nell Pierson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jimmy and Pat.
Mike's legacy is one of warmth, laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for his people and his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Lee Memorial Hospital in Ft. Myers, Florida, the KU Cancer Center, the KU Medical Center, and KC Hospice House for their amazing care.
The family will host a Visitation and Rosary at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Friends are invited to gather beginning at 4:30pm, with the Rosary to follow at 5:30pm. An Irish Wake in true Happy fashion will take place immediately afterward at Barto's Idle Hour. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Josh Evans at 10am on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg. A Celebration of Life will also be held on Thursday, May 29th at 5:30pm at the Falls City Elks Lodge in Falls City, Nebraska. In honor of Happy, the Gilmore Girls kindly ask that guests wear something yellow to help celebrate a life so joyfully lived.The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Falls City Elks Lodge and the Richardson County Cancer Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home at 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.bathnaylor.com.