RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - Butch and Shirley Gilpin are the sweet, generous neighbors anyone would be happy to have.
They would give you a place to sleep, a ride to where you need to go or remember you in prayer, said family friend Tammy Downs.
As the result of a double tragedy Thursday when they lost their home to fire and their son in a car accident, the retired couple and their adopted grandchildren now need the community's help.
"They don't ask for charity," Downs said. But "they have only what it takes to exist, to try to make ends meet."
Today, they bury their son Anthony Gilpin, 39, with noon visitation and 2 p.m. funeral services at Russellville Baptist Church. Community gifts have covered those costs.
On Thursday, they will begin to rebuild a home. Their mobile home in the 14100 block of Route V was declared a loss.
As donations of household goods have come forward, they are being stored by Downs and the Russellville Elementary/Middle School, where the boys - Jordan, 12, and Dillion, 10 - attend.
And Community Point Bank of Jefferson City announced it will collect non-perishable food for the family through the end of the month.
Two funds have been established on the family's behalf in the hopes of offsetting the anticipated costs of finding a new home.
The Gilpin Family Fund was opened at the bank by school employees. Checks made to "Gilpin Family Fund" may be mailed to Community Point Bank, P.O. Box 457, Russellville, Mo., 65074, or dropped off at the Russellville or Eugene locations.
A GoFundMe.com account was created by Downs.
"It's my way of trying to help," Downs said. "I'm hoping we can raise enough money for a new place for them to live."
Ideally, Downs would like to see someone donate a mobile home to the family.
"Things like that do happen," she said.
For now, the family is staying with various family members.
The Gilpins lost many material possessions, including all of their photos of their late son Anthony. Downs asked that anyone who has photos of him to make copies for the family.
Also, Dillion, who is special needs, has lost all of his clothes and toys, as the heart of the fire was in his room, Downs said. His clothes size is 8-10 and shoe size is 4.
Other family members' sizes include: Butch, 38x29 blue jeans and extra-large shirt, Shirley 8-10, and Jordan 10-12.
"They are the cream of the crop, the sweetest people in the world," Downs said.
The school has become a hub for donations and information.
"I've been reminded of how important small communities are," said new principal Elaine Buschjost. "There's an extended family created by a small community.
"If I weren't from here, I would be impressed by the outpouring. Because I am from here, I am so proud."
On the Web: www.gofundme.com/ejgk7w