Billy Joaquin Gilson

Billy Joaquin Gilson passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at his home in DeRidder, LA at the age of 86. Billy was born October 21, 1937, in Guymon, OK.  He enlisted in the Air Force at Amarillo Air Force Base in February of 1956, where he served as an aircraft mechanic.  While stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, LA during 1961, he met and married his wife of 61 years, Ella. While serving he had the opportunity to work on the SR-71 Blackbird when stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California.  He served for 20 years before retiring in February of 1976 from England Air Force Base in Alexandria, LA.  Billy was a veteran of the Vietnam War.  Upon his retirement from the Air Force, he worked an additional 20 years for the Civil Service at Ft. Polk, now Ft. Johnson, LA.  His favorite pastime was to read and have his dogs (and later a cat) in his lap while he sat in his lazy-boy or puttering around with anything that had a motor. Billy is survived by his wife, Ella Gilson of DeRidder, LA; daughter, Katrina Gilson-Dauzat of DeRidder, LA; granddaughter, Hannah Bearden & Galen of DeRidder, LA; grandson, Samuel Dauzat & Cassidy Alexander of Amarillo, TX; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his son, William “Bill” Michael Gilson; father, John William Gilson; mother, Hazel Nadine Rhoads Mannion; and his stepdad, Joseph Cyril Mannion. Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com