ACCOVILLE, W.Va. — John E. Gilco, 57, of Accoville, departed this life Saturday, November 14, 2009, from his home after short illness.

Born November 6, 1952, at Braeholm, he was a son of the late Thomas and Addilee Blankenship Gilco. Also preceding him in death was one brother, James Terry Gilco; one niece, Tamara Suzanne Gilco; one nephew, David Aaron Gilco, and one great-nephew, Austin Lovins.

John was a retired employee of the Charleston Gazette. He was a knife collector and an avid wrestling fan.

Those left to love and miss him include one son, John E. Evans of Huntington (adopted by Angie and Rick Evans); one sister, Angie (Rick) Evans of Accoville; four brothers, Benny (Ella) Gilco of Braeholm, Tom (Gloria) Gilco of Accoville, Paul David (Mary) Gilco of Kopperston, and Alvin Gilco of Welch; one grandson, Jacob Evans of Kistler; one step-grandson, Zachary Kirby of Kistler; a special niece and caregiver, Brandy Robertson of Accoville; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 19, at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home Chapel at Man with Rev. Buddy Hager officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Benny, Tom, Brandon and Alvin Gilco, and John Evans and Rick Evans Sr. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to krantzmcneely@yahoo.com

Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home of Man is in charge of the arrangements.