Allan Gillihan

Allan Dean Gillihan embarked on his final adventure beyond the stars on August 20, 2024. He passed peacefully in his sleep with family by his side. He was born 89 years earlier on November 5, 1934, in the small town of Oil Trough, Arkansas. Allan and his late wife, Jo Alice, lived most of their lives in Springfield, Missouri, raising their 2 children, Dana and Michael. Allan's journey finally took him to the quiet and comforting community of Milan, Illinois, where he lived near his son for his final years.

Allan's life was a testament to the power of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. He dedicated 25 years to the academic realm as a Professor of Astronomy at Missouri State University. Before that, he illuminated young minds as a Math and Science Teacher at Pershing Junior High School in Springfield, Missouri. Allan wasn't just a teacher; he was a mentor, a guiding star, and, according to his students, a walking encyclopedia. Imagine the surprise of some of his former middle school students walking into a college astronomy classroom to see Mr. Gillihan again.

Outside the classroom, Allan was an esteemed member of Mensa. His wit was as sharp as his intellect, and his legacy endures not only in academia but also in the heavens, with a star aptly named after him. He wanted Mike and Dana to dream higher; he woke them up one night in 1969 to watch on a little black and white TV as mankind first stood on the moon. Mike would grow up to fly planes as part of his career and hobbies and Dana made Astronomy one of her minors in college, and also taught college level Astronomy.

In addition to his celestial accomplishments, Allan was a Great Aquilla Leader of Cub Scouts, inspiring a generation of young adventurers to explore the world with the same generosity and kind-hearted spirit he carried with him always. Allan and Jo Alice loved to travel the world. Some of Allan’s favorite trips involved Switzerland and he captured the beautiful Swiss landscapes in some of his oil paintings. They also traveled by car extensively on this continent, including many trips across the USA and deep into Mexico.

His family was the constellation that grounded him. Allan leaves behind a loving son, Michael Gillihan and wife Patti, of Sherrard, IL; a cherished daughter, Dana Gillihan and husband Chris Repass of Asheville, NC; two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. Allan was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Jo Alice (Stephens), his beloved legendary family dog, Bart, his father Austin Gillihan and his mother Imogene (Grigsby).

Those who knew Allan would describe him as intelligent, kind, and generous. He had a penchant for turning even the most complex concept into easily understandable information. When visiting Dana at an internship at the Maria Mitchell Observatory on Nantucket, Allan calmly fixed the interns’ leaky toilet and then went on to patiently explain the location of certain stars to the Ivy League interns.

Allan Dean Gillihan's story is not simply about the dates that bookend his time on Earth. It is a narrative of a life lived with passion, laughter, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. As we look up at the night sky, we can take comfort in knowing that Allan is up there, navigating the cosmos with a twinkle in his eye, ready to explain the mysteries of the universe to all willing to listen.

Farewell, Allan. May your journey through the stars be as wondrous and filled with discovery as your time here with us. The universe has gained a bright new star, and we are all the richer for the light you’ve shared.

If you would like to celebrate Allan’s life, please consider donating to the Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science (PAMS) fund at Missouri State University. Checks may be mailed to the Missouri State University Foundation, 300 S Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 or online at www.missouristate.edu/givenow. Condolences may be left for the family at www.mvcremation.com