George E. Gillespie

He was born February 2, 1936 in Springfield at St. John's Hospital, the son of Charles "Bud" and Helen Winch Gillespie. He married Ella Jo Picco in 1956.

Mr. Gillespie was a U.S. government employee working with FEMA until having to take a medical discharge. He was previously employed with the Department of Defense DIO Maintenance Division in Fort Meade, MD. He was also employed at the Springfield City Police Garage and worked part-time at Sears.

He was a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Blessed Sacrament. He attended Cathedral Grade School and Cathedral Boy's High School, where he graduated from in 1954. In the same year, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attended Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. He was attached to the Motor Transport 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA until his discharge in 1958. He was a member of Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council No. 4913 in Valdosta, GA, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #437. He also volunteered as a St. John Samaritan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and Jack; and two sisters, Nancy and Carolyn.

He is survived by his three daughters, Georgiann "Gee" Gillespie of Rock Island, IL, Lori "Janie" (husband, Richard) Davis of Carterville, IL, and Susan "Sue" (husband, Curtis) Hanson of Moline; son, Charles "Chuck" (wife, Theresa) Gillespie of Rock Island; eleven grandchildren; two great- granddaughters; brothers, Bob (wife, Phyllis) Gillespie of Lincoln and Jim (wife, Mona) Gillespie of Chesterfield, MO; sister, Marilyn (husband, Willard) Dallas of Oklahoma City, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence St., Springfield with Rev. Seth Brown, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association, 2501Chatham Rd., Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704.