Peter Stuart Gilster, formerly of Chester

Peter Stuart Gilster, a 50-year Kirkwood, Missouri resident, passed away May 19, 2019 after an extended illness.

Mr. Gilster was born in Carbondale, Illinois on Dec. 10, 1939 to John Gilster, an airline pilot and Chester, Illinois attorney, and Ruth Robinson Gilster, a musician, artist and historian.

Mr. Gilster is survived by his wife, Carol (nee Clevenger) whom he married in 1968; sons John Gilster and Tom (Laura) Gilster; brother Jeff Gilster in California; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister, Caroline Wylie, and his brother, Thomas Spriggs Gilster.

After graduating from Chester High School, Mr. Gilster completed a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1962, followed by a JD degree in Law (1965) at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

He completed his military commitment at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, working on the Nike Missile Guidance system and F4 Phantom antenna system.

Upon leaving the Army in 1967 with the rank of captain, Mr. Gilster joined the St. Louis firm of Koenig, Senniger, Powers and Leavitt as a patent attorney. Subsequently he worked for Monsanto Electronics and then joined his esteemed friend, Ralph Kalish Sr., for several years at Kalish and Gilster. When he retired he was the Senior Patent Counsel at Greensfelder, Hempker and Gale.

Mr. Gilster lectured for patent law classes at the University of Missouri Rolla branch, wrote patent journal articles, and was a certified mediator. In his distinguished 50-year career in Intellectual Properties, Mr. Gilster was a member of the Missouri and Illinois bar associations and was admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Gilster owned a Cessna 170 airplane and was part owner of several other planes. He acquired more than 2,000 flight hours and was licensed for private pilot, instructor, multi-engine, and instrument flight.

He flew all over the country with his family.  

Mr. Gilster was an avid shortwave operator for many years. Since high school he enjoyed playing flute, piccolo and piano. He played in the University of Illinois marching band and took part in several municipal musical groups, including the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Gilster was a member and director of the Hispanic Society of St. Louis. He was a member of the South County Sports Car Club. He was a charter member of the Meramec Valley Grotto and enjoyed exploring many Missouri wild caves.

A man of many interests, Mr. Gilster will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Memorials suggested to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.