Updated June 16, 2025: Dennis Gilmore, the “self-proclaimed mascot” of Gramps Coffee and Donuts, has died at the age of 72.
A statement from Gramps Coffee and Donuts reads:
Heartbroken but grateful.
Today, the best door greeter, encourager, husband, dad, grandpa and servant is getting some well deserved rest away from this earth. GRAMPS lived a life filled with a love for Jesus, people and an occasional snarky comment.
GRAMPS always wanted to make sure you knew that you were loved. His hope was that each day you spent time laughing with those around you, that you didn’t take yourself too seriously, and that you were kind to the people in your path.
Even though our self-proclaimed mascot isn’t at his normal table at the shop, he is still “Alive & Kickin’” in a much better place…just sayin’.
Thank you for always cheering him on. You were such a blessing to him!
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Surrounded by a steady stream of coffee, donuts, and visitors, Dennis Gilmore now holds court from a hospital bed in his living room. The 72-year-old — who recently chose to stop treatment after a second diagnosis of blood cancer — may be homebound, but his spirit remains as strong as ever, anchored by the friendships he built as the “self-proclaimed mascot” of Gramps Coffee and Donuts.
From his usual seat near Gramps’ front door at the corner of 4th and Frederica streets, Gilmore became something of a local legend. Not by design, but by simply being himself — a people person, a farm kid at heart, and what some affectionately call the “self-proclaimed mascot” of Gramps.
“I don’t need any more money. I don’t need fame or glory,” Gilmore said. “I’m just thankful for the shop and the relationships I’ve formed; it kinda’ gives me a purpose.”
Before Gramps opened in July 2021, Gilmore had lived a life rooted in hard work and relationships. Raised on a small farm on the east side of Daviess County, he credits his upbringing for his work ethic.
“We did everything ourselves,” he said. “That shaped me.”
He met his wife, Judy, within three days of starting college at Murray State. He only stayed enrolled for a year and a half, opting instead to work and build a life. From hauling farm supplies in a semi, despite never having driven one, to working sales and operations for companies like Big Rivers Electric and Monsanto, Gilmore said he always found success through relationships.
“My thing was getting to know people,” he said. “I wasn’t just a truck driver. I got to know the customers.”
When their daughter-in-law Amy and son Greg opened Gramps, Gilmore said they chose the downtown corner with intention — wanting it to be accessible, welcoming, and part of the community. The name “Gramps” came from his grandson’s suggestion, and the role of “Gramps” came naturally to Dennis.
“I never worked there. Didn’t even have a key. But I was there every morning,” Gilmore said. “I’d sit at that table, drink coffee, and talk to anybody who walked in.”
And people did walk in — from all over. Some locals, some from across the country. All would leave having met Gramps.
“We’ve had folks from California, New York, everywhere. They’d take pictures and chat,” he said. “Since I’ve returned home, several have sent cards and gifts, and thousands have reached out on Facebook.”
One of his proudest accomplishments, he says, isn’t what he’s done, but how people have felt around him. He said he has talked to folks from all walks of life, ensuring they all receive the same careful attention.
Though he never stepped foot in the kitchen, he easily became the shop’s heartbeat.
Now, as he faces an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Gilmore has opted against more treatment. He said the side effects from previous chemotherapy were too harsh, and doctors couldn’t guarantee improvement.
Still, he remains grateful.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve had cancer,” he said. “I’ve had people around me every step of the way. Gramps gave me that. It gave me something to wake up for.”
His wife Judy said the shop and its customers have been a blessing, especially in retirement.
“If he had just stayed home, I don’t think he’d have done well,” she said. “But this — being around people, being part of something — it gave him life.”
As Gilmore put it: “It’s not really a job. But if it was, it’d be one of the best ones I’ve ever had.”
