Donald "Don" Gillespie, Sr.

Donald "Don" Gillespie, Sr., 72, of Butler, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, December 30, 2015. Born July 20, 1943, in Mt. Clair, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Frank Fletcher Gillespie and Evelyn Daisy Morris Gillespie.

Don retired from General Motors in 2001 after 35 years of service. However, he didn't remain retired for long, He continue to work at several businesses including Wappner Funeral Directors and for two years at Jackson and Sons Drilling. Don faithfully served the Village of Butler in many capacities: as Council Member from 1989-1991 and two terms as Mayor from 1992-1995 and 2004-2007. He gave selflessly and always had the best interests of everyone involved.

He was a longtime member of Three Crosses, a United Methodist Fellowship in Butler where he served as Treasurer for 16 years and married the love of his life, Judy Kay Kuhn Crill, on July 19, 1986. He and Judy were inseparable and he helped her with anything and everything. An honest, hardworking man, he never complained. Don gave 110% to whatever task was at hand and was the consummate over-achiever. He trusted God to see him through every day of his life.

A devoted family man, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. His family treasured all the special moments created with him and his enthusiasm when playing "Pass the Trash" will long be remembered. Don enjoyed taking care of his immaculate yard, landscaping and playing board games with family and friends. He especially enjoyed playing "Words with Friends" with his grandson, Jay. Don was in the process of restoring his beloved 1971 silver Corvette. He drove his car in many Miss Ohio parades and at many Homecoming games at Clear Fork High School.

Don enjoyed quiet times spent at home. He and Judy enjoyed watching their favorite television shows: Blue Bloods, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire. His wonderful smile, loving nature, and love for his family and friends will live on in the lives of those who knew him. If you were lucky enough to be Don's friend, you were a friend for life.

Don leaves behind his loving wife of 29 years, Judy Gillespie; six children, Don (Candy) Gillespie, Jr., Robert "Bobby" (Maggie) Gillespie, David L. (Lori) Crill, Douglas R. Crill, Annette Jones (friend, Mark Southward) and Kim (Jim) Jackson; eleven grandchildren, Karrick Gillespie, Christopher and Matt Williams, Meghan (Josh) Mader, Josh Crill, Lana Jones (husband, Chuck Pollette), Skyler and Casey Jones, Camryn Crill, and Savanah and Jay Jackson; brother, Frank (Janet) Gillespie; sisters, Shirley (Larry) Smith and Linda (Stan) Colburn; brothers-in-law, Dick Kuhn (friend, Joyce) and Ted (Paulette) Kuhn; two sisters-in-law, Shirley (Harold) Powers and Carolyn Kuhn (friend, Kathy Buchanan); and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2016, in Three Crosses, a United Methodist Fellowship, 12 Cleveland St., Butler, Ohio. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the church with additional visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Allen E. Rose and Pastor Brandon Keck will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Three Crosses, a United Methodist Fellowship. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.