John Ernest Gillihan, age 62 of Des Moines, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at UnityPoint Methodist in Des Moines. A celebration of John's life will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. The family will greet friends following the service at a time of food and fellowship at Colfax United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Eyerly Ball Pact Program in Des Moines and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The son of Ralph William and Cecila Mary (Chaves) Gillihan, John was born on July 6, 1962. A man of many talents, John loved being in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing. He had a gift for gab and loved spending time with family at the holidays. Some might say he enjoyed the holiday not because of family but it was for the food. All kidding aside he did love to eat and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Debbie (Jerry) Schlechter, James (Margaret) Gillihan, and Milton (Brenda) Gillihan and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a step-brother, Larry Gillihan, a brother, Aaron Gillihan and his parents.