Ronald R. Prilliman

Hello Folks:

Before I creep you all out by telling you I have written my own obituary, let me ask you—who better to do the job than the one who has lived it? This way I can brag about the “good” stuff and ignore the bad and no one can argue with me anymore. This way I can also tell you some of the more interesting things that never get included in obituaries.

I was born the second oldest child of five in a house we called the Grover house, May 7th, 1934, in Protection, Kansas with only a chiropractor in attendance. My parents were Claude L. and Grace Alberta (Carson) Prilliman.

My early education began in a one room school called Bluff Creek, where all eight grades were in the same room. I then attended another one room school called Cimarron from grades 2-5. I graduated from Protection High School in 1952 and went to Iowa where I graduated from the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa in 1956. A number of years later, I spent two semesters at Marion College, Marion, Indiana and then transferred to Purdue for two more years where I studied Art, Theater, and education. My oldest children, Chris and Sandi, were at Purdue at the same time. After moving to the Indianapolis area, I studied writing at IUPUI.

My marriage to Barbara began on May 7, 1955. We had five children, but lost a little boy in 1964 due to pre-natal complications. On February 7, 2004, our oldest son Chris died at the age of 47. Our surviving children are Sandi Westfall of Monticello, Bryan Prilliman and Melodie Halstead, both of Mooresville. We have 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom I love dearly. My church family, drama, music and art have always been an important part of my life. I have drawn and painted since first grade and in high school became known as a singer and actor. I did not start writing plays until the 1970’s when I wrote several skits and a full-length Broadway style musical. I organized and directed six choirs through the years including a community chorus which traveled and did concerts. I preached my first sermon when I was 17, and it lasted about five minutes. Many people have longed for the return of those days. I preached in 17 churches, seven of which were in Indiana and three of them were intern churches. Often it was necessary to work at secular jobs as well, and they ran the gamut from store clerk to screen printer, warehouse manager and teacher. Some of the jobs I had might surprise a few of you. For example, lifeguard, movie projectionist, construction worker (120 feet up in the air everyday); modeled for J C Penney; surgical technician at Methodist Hospital, farmhand, Personnel Director for Indiana State Office and Psychiatric Attendant.

Through the years I have written over 200 poems, over 60 skits, 30 short stories and a book of devotions. I’ve had several articles, one poem, and a short story published. I taught painting classes for 40 years.

Here are some unusual experiences (in no certain order) that happened to me. I was run over by a car as a child; was struck by a car while crossing the street in Sweden; saw an airplane crash; saw a skydiver fall to their death when their chute didn’t open; had a brother that was murdered on Easter Sunday; had my swim suit ripped off by a ferocious wave – twice in front of a row of spectators; fell off a stage backwards during a performance; got lost while walking in a snowstorm; saved a boy from drowning in a creek.

Of course the most enjoyable and satisfying job I ever had was right here at Mt. Gilead organizing and directing the Drama Ministry and Art Fair. I believe that God put me through all of these phases of life because I was too independent. These have taught me that God is in control and not I. To God be the Glory for using me as a humble servant.

The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2011, in The Church at Mt. Gilead, 6019 East State Road 144, Mooresville, with calling there from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2011. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drama Ministry at Mt. Gilead. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.