John P. Gilreath

Beloved husband and father, John Peter Gilreath, age 87, went to live with God on September 18, 2026, while at home, surrounded by his family in Ellensburg, Washington.

He was born in Butte, Montana, to the late Helen Rita Lowe. He grew up in Edmonds, Washington, and graduated from Edmonds High School in 1957. He then entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years in language intelligence. After completing his military service, he attended the University of Washington, graduating cum laude with a degree in Geology in 1964.

John then joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1967 and spoke both Polish, Russian and German languages. Following active duty, he entered the Naval Reserve and later retired with the rank of Commander in 1999.

While living in Hawaii in 1967, John met and married the love of his life, Keren Neal Allen. With an uncertain future ahead of him, he decided on a whim to take the LSAT, earning a score that opened the door to law school at the University of Washington.

After graduating from law school, John and Keren moved to Ellensburg, Washington, where they welcomed twin children, Heather and Austin in 1971. John joined the law firm of Dano, Cone & Fraser and went on to enjoy a distinguished legal career specializing in family law and water rights. He was a longtime member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, Ellensburg Rotary, and the Rigadoon Dance Club.

In addition to being a faithful husband, devoted father for more than 50 years and a loving Papa for 24 years, John was an avid reader, golfer, fly fisherman, and business owner.

John possessed a remarkable intellect and was a gifted lawyer with a no-nonsense ability to quickly identify the heart of any issue. Though direct in his approach, he was also exceptionally generous and would offer whatever resources he had—including the shirt off his back—to anyone in need.

John grew up in a tumultuous household and overcame obstacles that most people would find insurmountable. Despite having eight stepfathers and only discovering the identity of his biological father during the last five years of his life, he refused to let those circumstances define him. Instead, he forged a life marked by resilience, accomplishment, and unwavering devotion to his family.

His greatest life accomplishment was the loving and fulfilling 43-year marriage he shared with his best friend, Keren.

John is survived by his children, Heather (Troy) Harrell and Austin (Kelly) Gilreath; his grandchildren, Colton and Abby Harrell, and Alex and Sydney Gilreath. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Keren and his half-sisters Mary Lou (Billie) Freeman and Rose Marie Sturgis.

An informal celebration of John's life will be held at a later time this fall and there will be a private family interment.

John’s family requests that memorial donations be made to KVH Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com