Former West Carrollton leader helped guide Ohio mayors, active in VFW auxiliary

Former West Carrollton Mayor Maxine Gilman, a longtime city leader, died last week. She was 85

She served as mayor and councilwoman for more than 30 years and was last elected to West Carrollton’s top legislative post in 2003.

Gilman was a past president of the Ohio Mayors Association, the Ohio Municipal League, and the Montgomery & Greene County Mayors & Managers Association, according to her obituary.

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She was an inductee into the West Carrollton Plaza Hall of Fame and the West Carrollton School District’s Distinguished Service Hall of Fame. Gilman also served on several boards and committees, and was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary Post #165 and VFW Auxiliary Post #3438, her obituary states.

“Maxine gave generously in a variety of ways to her community, fellow citizens and friends,” according to her obituary. “Her involvement was visible in organizations such as the Girl Scouts and PTA, but also in less assuming ways that touched many. Her ability to remember birthdays and anniversaries with cards was legendary.”

Born on Sept. 18, 1932, in Muncie, Ind., to the late Raymond and Hettie Lank, she was preceded in death by her brother, Doyal Lank, and daughter-in-law, Jeannie Gilman.

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Gilman is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bill; children Karen DeBell of West Carrollton, Kent (Peggy) Gilman of Miamisburg, and Karla Gilman of West Carrollton; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Natalie, Alex, and Samantha; several nieces and nephews, plus many friends considered family.

To further medical teaching, Gilman has donated her body to Wright State University. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at Central Presbyterian Church, 4699 Lamme Road, Moraine.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. A celebration of life will be held following the service at the West Carrollton VFW Post #3438, 5441 Marina Drive, West Carrollton.

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To honor Maxine’s life, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor be made to American Legion Auxiliary Post #165, 35 N. Main Street, Miamisburg, Ohio, 45342 (earmarked for Buckeye Girls State) or Central Presbyterian Church.

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