Stanton C Gilliland

November 1, 1937 - June 26, 2023

Stan passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was 85. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ruby Gilliland, his sister Marjorie Ellen Wendt, and his loving friend Patricia M. Gilliland. He is survived by his loving daughters, Sarah Wilkerson, Erin Gilliland, and granddaughter Elle Wilkerson. He is also survived by his loving nieces Laura Wendt, Emily Wendt, and Leah Wendt Bonnono, and his cousin Midge Thomas of Florida.

Stan was a graduate of The Ohio State University in Music education. He was a member of The Ohio State University Jazz Ensemble, and a Member of The Ohio State University Marching Band. He taught music education for the Columbus Public School system, and retired after thirty plus years of service.

Stan was a master of the jazz trumpet and flugelhorn. He was an inventive improviser, and served as the Jazz Trumpet Chair for the Columbus Jazz Arts Group for many years. His musicianship and adaptability included classical music, and early in his career, he performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. His love of Big Band Jazz was immeasurable. He spent his career being a constant student, teacher, and educator of jazz music, in addition to being a performer.

Stan was also an accomplished sailor and enjoyed many years of sailing his boat on the Hoover Reservoir and Lake Erie. He was also an accomplished carpenter; he designed and built a summer cottage for his family on South Bass Island.

He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed following the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Indians, as well as any other football team that was on TV.

His love of music and his family was immense. He was legendary as a musician, father, and grandfather. He was loved by many, and he will be greatly missed.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Schoedinger Northwest.

Stan was a member of the marching band from 1955 through 1959. He played trumpet.