Gilbert 'Gil' Clayton Utterback

Gilbert Clayton Utterback was born November 28, 1930 in the rural farming community of Perry, Missouri, and passed away peacefully April 22, 2012 at the age of 81 following a long illness. Gil was the son of the late Edwin and Bertha Selsor Utterback. While he was in high school, his family moved to Monroe City, Missouri where he became a star basketball player and graduated in 1948. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and, following basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, served in Austria as a company clerk. Gil was discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1954, and worked for Caterpillar Tractor in Peoria, Illinois until entering business school in Quincy, Illinois to study accounting. He and Martha Jane Strickler married in 1958, making their first home in Monmouth, Illinois, and later moving to Denver, Colorado where career opportunities seemed abundant. Daughter Karen was born in 1961, followed by son Kevin in 1965. While employed at Combs Aircraft at Stapleton Airport, first as a sales clerk and then as aviation business manager, Gil earned his pilot's license in 1964. His career continued with Denver Beechcraft at Arapahoe Airport (now Centennial Airport) and later with Denver jetCenter when that organization purchased the Beechcraft FBOs. Gil remained an integral part of the management team as President and later Senior Vice President of Denver jetCenter until his retirement in September 2008. His remarkable and noteworthy career spanned over 50 years. At Centennial Airport, Gil generously gave his time to the Lions Club, whose activities and goals were close to his heart. He was the organization's principal fundraiser, served as a mentor to new members, promoted charitable sponsorship, grilled countless lunches at the Airport's now-famous hot dog/burger stand during summer months, and chaired the organization's highly successful annual golf tournament. He has been designated the Honorary Tournament Director for the 2012 summer event. Gil was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 53 years, Martha. He is survived by daughter Karen of Centennial, Colorado; son Kevin of Walsenburg, Colorado; sister Edwina ""Winnie"" Romig of Kansas City, Missouri; nephews Lance (Maudina) and Clay (Kathi) Romig of Kansas City, Missouri; grandniece Marta (Steve) Morris of Santo Domingo, Heredia, Costa Rica; and grandnephews James ""Jimmy"" Romig of Kansas City, Missouri and Todd Romig of Tupelo, Mississippi. He will be missed by hundreds of friends and colleagues. A private family service was held at Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life Service hosted by Denver jetCenter to commemorate Gil's extraordinary career in aviation on Friday, May 18th at 1:30pm at Centennial Airport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gil's name to Centennial Airport Lions Club, c/o Lion President Gwen Balk, 7687 South Pennsylvania Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80122. Please share your memories of Gil and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook below.