Donald Lewis Gillette, 87, of Ottawa passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Seamus Enright, Pastor, of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Don was born on January 1, 1935 in Chatsworth, Illinois to William and Goldie (Lear) Gillette. He was a veteran of the US Army and served from 1957 to 1963. Don married Betty Lou Soulsby on December 29, 1956 at St. Stephens Church in Streator. He was an industrial electrician and worked for 41 years at Libbey Owens Ford. Don and his wife, Betty, also owned and together operated Gillette Parade Products for 30 years. Don was a member of the Ottawa Jaycees, the Moose Lodge, the Ballroom Dance Association, the International Festival Association, and the Harley Owners Group. He also served as a board member of Friendship House and was director and treasurer with Financial Plus Credit Union for 19 years. Don was also a member of the Ottawa Special Events Committee, where he was the driving force in starting Music in the Park, a tradition that is still living on today. He received the Key to the City in 2019.
Don is survived by his wife, Betty; 3 children, Jane (Rodney) Schomas of Ottawa, Juli (Jeff) Stillwell of Ottawa, and Joyce Gillette-Cartina of Aurora; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Wayne Gillette, in infancy, and William Gillette, a sister, Eileen Marie Sliker, and a son Jeff Gillette.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Stillwell, Rodney Schomas, Harley Stillwell, Tim Lingle, Dominic Cartina, Dustin Cartina, and Collin Jeffries.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated later.
Don has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Recent Comments