Donald Vernon Gilmore, 70 of Albany, died Friday evening, February 3, 2017 at OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, Athens.

Born March 4, 1946 in Lima, he was the son of the late Vernon & Rosalyn Selby Gilmore.

A 1964 graduate of Celina High School, where he played football, he attended Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. He moved to Athens in 1978, where he operated Motel Athens/Athens Inn. He expanded the motel from 13 to 52 units. He was a local Realtor in Athens working with Ohio Realty.

Don was an avid horseman and was involved with breeding Labrador Retrievers. He enjoyed golfing at the Athens Country Club and maintained a close relationship with his classmates/Marine Corps brothers from Celina High School. Don was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Athens. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving at the NSA at Ft. Meade, Maryland during the Vietnam War.

Don is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kathryn C. Keplar Gilmore; a son, Jeffrey Gilmore of Rimrock, AZ; a daughter, Laura Gilmore of The Plains; a step-daughter, Christine (Raphael) Hart of McLean, VA; two beloved grandsons, Jacob & Jesse Gilmore; and a sister, Virginia (Lane) Durgin of Reno, NV. Don's family, friends and church were the most important parts of his life.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens (please use side Church St. entrance) with Rev. Robert McDowell officiating.

Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St. Athens, OH 45701; American Cancer Society, 5555 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43017; or the Friends of Shelter Dogs, P.O. Box 576, Athens, OH 45701.

Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.