Marlin Owen "Bud" Gilley

Marlin Owen “Bud” Gilley, age 77, of Alhambra, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. He was born on August 14, 1949, in Flora, IL, the son of the late Marlin and Nancy (nee Payne) Gilley.

On July 13, 1974, he married Verna Demkey at Grantfork UCC, and she survives in Alhambra.

Bud is also survived by his sons, Jeff (Tammy) Bone of Staunton and Chris (Gina) Gilley of Troy, MO; grandchildren, Kelsey Bone and Jamie (Jacob) Potthoff; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Janet Wilkin; and brothers-in-law, Bill McNelly, Vernon Demkey and Leo (Fran) Demkey.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason Gilley; siblings, Beverly Ann Gilley, Marilyn (Gary) Staley, Nancy McNelly; brothers-in-law, Ewald (JoAnn) Demkey and Delmar Demkey; sister-in-law, Judy (Donald) Ohren; and parents-in-law, Melvin & Delma (nee Lang) Demkey.

Bud graduated from Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri, in 1967. In his youth, he was an active member of the 4-H Club in Troy, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

Following high school, Bud proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Vietnam veteran.

After returning home from his military service, Bud dedicated his career to hard work on the road and in his community. He spent more than 50 years behind the wheel as a truck driver, including his time driving for Reichmann Trucking, and also worked in maintenance for Alhambra Township. He remained closely connected to his fellow veterans as a dedicated member of the American Legion in Alhambra.

Outside of work, Bud was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending his free time fishing and deer hunting. Above all else, his greatest joy in life was simply being surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Don Wagner presiding. Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Alhambra.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Salem UCC or Salem Cemetery and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, which is serving the family.