Nathaniel Gilreath

Nathaniel Gilreath was born April 9, 1927, in Center Ridge, Arkansas to the union of John & Dallas Stevenson-Gilreath. On August 12, 1948, he married Shirlene Cooper of Omaha, Nebraska. Six children were born to this union. He entered holy matrimony for the final time with Frances L. Hendrickson. One child was born to this union.

 In the 1940's, Nate began working for Union Pacific Railroad, he held many jobs; dishwasher, porter, waiter, bartender, 3rd cook (dish up the vegetables), 2nd cook (fry up the eggs) then as head chef for John C. Kenefick, CEO of UPRR with 3 cooks reporting to him. Early in his career, he would work 5 16-hr days on the train and 5 days off. During his off days, he worked for Armour & Cudahy Packing Houses. Nate traveled to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Portland, Or. Chicago, Seattle & special trips to Canada during his 42-yr career. He grew in a time when prejudice and racial discrimination was most prevalent. He mentioned that during his many road trips to Las Vegas, he could not gamble at the casinos. Joe Louis (famed boxer) had a place in Las Vegas on the other side of town where blacks could gamble. That’s where he would go if he wanted to gamble. 

A loving brother, he helped fund the education of several of his siblings who were educators. He was a wonderful husband to Frances & father to his children. He made a difference in the lives of many through his many Acts of Kindness; most notably feeding everyone whenever he had the chance. Family meals, all holidays, church events and many other occasions. He loved to cook! 

He was a lifelong member of the Cleaves Temple C.M.E. church where he served in many capacities. 

He leaves to mourn his passing: Sons & daughters-in-law; Patrick & Tamara Hendrickson of Omaha, NE. Barry & Janie Gilreath of Santa Clara, CA. Jackie Merritt-Gilreath Conway, Jackie Crawford Gilreath & Nece Gilreath. daughter & son-in-law; Jo Anne & Stan LaBat of Chesterfield, MO. Special niece Helen Hale-Williams, special friend who was like a daughter Maureen Head of Ames, IA., co-worker, and dear friend Steve LaMell of St. Louis, MO. 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. 

He was preceded by: parents, wife Frances, sons: Cooda, John Wayne, Gary & Perry Gilreath. Sisters: Lugene (Snook) Dunbar, Jessie (Aunt Juicy) Lewis, Goldie (Aunt Bill) Mayfield, Ruby Gilreath-SimmonsHead, Shirley Bell, Salina Conners & Adean Brown. Brothers; Charlie & John Q. Gilreath, Warren (Chegg) Gilreath. 

Visitation: 5 - 7 p.m. Friday (12/6/24) at Roeder Mortuary, 4932, Ames Ave, Omaha. 

Funeral Service: 9 a.m. Saturday (12/7/2024) at Cleaves Temple C.M.E. Church, 2431 Decatur St., Omaha. 

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery.