Howard McClellan Gilmore

Howard McClellan Gilmore, 91, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Howard was born January 17, 1935, in Orange, California, to Horace Howard Gilmore and Bonnie Emma Alt. He married his sweetheart, Dulce Aida Martinez Evans, on February 14, 2003. He lived a life defined by service—to his family, his community, and his faith.

Howard spent much of his life in law enforcement and security. His career included serving as a police officer for the City of Tehachapi, California, a deputy sheriff in Inyo County, California, Sheriff of Garfield County, Utah, and later in security for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He continued working in security at Highland Cove until his passing. Howard often said he would die if he ever stopped working, and true to his word, he remained active and working throughout his life.

Of all his law-enforcement experiences, his favorite was serving as a deputy sheriff in Death Valley, California. He could keep his family laughing for hours with stories and shenanigans from his law-enforcement days. His stories were just one of the many ways he entertained and connected with the people he loved.

Howard loved his family deeply. Some of his favorite times were spent simply getting in the car and going for a long drive with no particular destination in mind—just an opportunity to drive, talk, and spend time together. He loved hiking with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and he especially enjoyed trips to the desert to target shoot with family. At the end of each adventure you could pretty much count on one thing: there would be a stop for a Whopper with cheese, heavy pickles, a Dr. Pepper, and a chocolate shake. Those outings were treasured by his family because, for that time, they had his undivided attention. He had a way of making each person feel like they were the most important person in the world to him.

He also enjoyed photography, fishing, camping, hiking, and target shooting. He loved a good adventure and rarely needed much of a reason to get out and go somewhere.

Howard was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He could often be found studying his scriptures, learning more about the gospel he loved, and discussing his beliefs with family and friends. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life, and his faith was an important part of who he was.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Dulce Martinez Evans Gilmore; his five children, David McClellan Gilmore (Donna), Paul Allen Gilmore, Bonnie Sue Waltz (Joe), Carla Christine Spencer (Steve), and Donnaleah Elaine Hall (John); his stepchildren, Anntoinette Evans, Jacob Evans (Michelle), Darrell Evans and Coulton Evans; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Micheal Evans.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St E, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Holladay 4th Ward, 4917 South Viewmont Street (2085 E), Holladay, Utah.

Directions to the graveside service: enter the Salt Lake City cemetery from the north east corner off of 11th Ave. Howard’s burial plot is located in the first section on the north east corner of the cemetery.