Gilbert Leroy Hollandsworth was born September 30, 1941 in Owensville, Missouri to Leroy Hollandsworth and Edith (Rowkowski) Hollandsworth. He died on Saturday, September 26, 2026 just four days short of his 85th birthday. His parents were lifelong residents of Owensville, MO. He lived in the Owensville area until he was 28. He attended school until the eighth grade and then began working.

He is survived by two sisters, Joyce (Milford) Shanks and Kathy (Ron) Barch. He also had two brothers, Gene and Douglas, who preceded him in death.

Gilbert’s childhood was a happy childhood. His family was poor, but he always dreamed he would accomplish something with his life. He has said “God has indeed been good to me! The blessings He gave me throughout my life are many”

Gilbert met Pansy Paasch while they both worked at Brown Shoe Company in Owensville. He fell head over heels in love with her. Their first date was August 20, 1962 and they were married on September 28, 1963. Their wedding was at the First Baptist Church in Owensville. Their honeymoon lasted almost 35 years until she went to heaven on June 4, 1998. She was always his best friend, loving wife, confident and ministry partner. In ministry, she was a large part of his help and inspiration.

He was blessed with a great family; Alan (Janet) Hollandsworth of Columbia, Mo; Cheryl (Ross) Strickland of Warsaw, MO; Donna (Matt) McAllister of Bourbonnais, IL; and Carla (Ken) Hanners of Bondurant, IA. They had triplets, Brent, Barry and Bruce who were born prematurely and died at birth. He also had 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was 12 years old and was called to preach at the age of 13. He received his Local Preachers License at age 13. He completed his GED at El Paso College and attended Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO. He pastored churches in Kimball, NE, Vandalia, MO, Sullivan, MO, Caruthersville, MO and Montgomery City, MO. He retired due to health reasons with over 30 years of active ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.

On September 27, 2008 he was blessed to marry Connie Jean Kramer. They made their home in Kansas City, MO where she worked as a nurse. Connie was a very special person to him and he loved her very much. She came into his life at just the right time. He knows God directed both of their lives to each other. They were married for 18 years traveling together and spending time with family. Connie filled an empty spot in his life and she gave of herself unselfishly, caring for him wonderfully through his final days.

He was a loving husband, dad, pastor, brother and friend and will be missed by many.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Montgomery City Church of the Nazarene, with Justina Klekamp officiating. Interment will follow in the Montgomery City Cemetery.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:00 PM until the time of the service, at the church.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Montgomery City Church of the Nazarene. c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361