ORVAN E. GILSTRAP, 90, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, December 26, 2007 at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield.

Born on January 8, 1917 in Claflin, Kansas, he was the son of Grover Cleveland and Mary (Derby) Gilstrap. He was raised and attended grade schools in Claflin and Pawnee Rock schools. He graduated high school from Pawnee Rock, Kansas. He then attended one year at Fort Hays State, as well as Manhattan Bible College and received his degree from Kansas State in 1947. Orvan then graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma in 1953.

He married Mary E. Palmer in Great Bend, Kansas on June 20, 1947. The couple made their first home in Manhattan, Kansas. Orvan served as a student minister in Aline, Oklahoma, and then ministered in Artesia, New Mexico for 9 years and in Lyons, Kansas for 10 years. He then served as minister at First Christian Church in Winfield for 10 years, retiring in 1982. Mrs. Gilstrap preceded him in death on April 16, 2003.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Winfield. He was also involved in the Kiwanis Club and volunteered at William Newton Hospital at the snack bar. His hobbies included working on cars, gardening and camping. He enjoyed riding his bicycle around town and had a special lifelong interest in music. He had a beautiful baritone voice and loved to sing. Orvan played the clarinet in high school

His family includes:
His son: Paul Gilstrap and wife Julia Anne of Coweta, OK;
His daughters: Martha G. Verlander of Raytown, MO; and Sherrie Randall and husband George "Auggie" of Shawnee, OK;
His sisters: Margaret Christiansen of Odessa, TX; Esther Gray of Colorado Springs, CO;
His 4 grandchildren: Tamara Anne Herring and husband Wes, Joseph Eric Gilstrap, Oleha Marie Verlander and Jessie LaRee Randall; and
His 3 great-grandchildren: Canaan Alexander, Meagan Elise and Benjamin Alexander.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Marvin, and sister Myrna Carver.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, December 28, 2007 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Gilstrap's name for the Retired Minister's Fund for the Christian Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.