Gilbert Jose Tirado "Patches The Clown"

Gilbert Jose Tirado also known as "Patches The Clown", age 81, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Friday morning, January 9, 2026 at James River Nursing Center in Springfield.

He was born May 13, 1944 in Yonkers, New York the son of Cruz Tirado and Anna Tirado.

Jose was a Life Member of Kights of Columbus, Secular Franciscan, and Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International.

Jose was a Youth Worker since 1957, Active in the Boyscouts as an Assistant Scout Master, for nine years he was on Staff at Camp Arrowhead, worked as a Volunteer with mentally and physically Disabled since 1972, and a Pro-Life Activist since January 1986.  He walked the Missouri Trail of Tears for this cause in 1987.  Vigil member name of Wulihan which means "he who does good".  He was a professional School Teacher in Cleveland, Ohio for two years, taught in West Plains, Missouri for one year, and taught P5R schools for ten years.  He was a Religious Brother for five and a half years with the Congregation of St. Joseph.  He was PATCHES THE CLOWN since December 1978, a Christian Poet since September of 1983 and had served on Staff at Camp RE-NEW-ALL since 1983.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri.  A Rosary Service will be at 6:30pm by his Franciscan Brothers.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson in Springfield, Missouri with Father Lewis Hejna celebrating.

A Graveside Service will Full Military Honors will be at 1:00pm Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road in Springfield, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.