John Edward Gilson, age 77, was born on August 11, 1945 to Merle Gilson and Jeanette Vogel Gilson in Titusville, PA and passed away on August 18, 2022 surrounded by his family in Crossville, TN.

John loved woodworking and spending time with his family. Crossville Magazine dubbed him ‘The Santa Claus of Crossville’ for making wooden toys for, not only his grandchildren, but for other local children as well.

He is survived by his wife Diana Peters Gilson; children Cherie Baasch and Jody Venuti; grandchildren John, Dean, Anthony, Alyssa, Brittany, and Gene; 5 great grandchildren; and siblings Kay Stewart, Rose Parker, and Merle Gilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Tom Gilson, Donna Roser, and Gloria Burns.