Donald Lee Gillespie, 88, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at his home. He was born on March 20, 1936, in Eugene, Oregon, the son of the late Darrell and Lorris (Fellers) Gillespie. He married Phyllis Bennett on September 2, 1963 in Seneca, Missouri, she survives.
Don started working at Boeing when he was 25. From Boeing he went to Thiokol Chemical in Brigham City, Utah, and then to Cape Canaveral, Florida and worked on the Missileman Program. He later worked with General Dynamnics and sold cruise missiles and worked on the space shuttle. Don retired at 60 and then headed to Africa where he continued to go on 4 or 5 safari trips and loved the adventures it brought.
I’m writing the short about Don. I tried for years to get him to write down his adventures, but he was always into something new and didn’t have the time. He read volumes and could remember everything. Don introduced me to camping, skiing, trap shooting, history, and numerous other activities. We both did trap shooting, starting in California and ending up in Virginia. Don was a high Veteran many times. He shot trap with the best shooter in the U.S.
I could write a book about Don, but my lines are stories from him while we had company or at dinner. He was very private, and I didn’t ask about business.
We had two children, Dr Christina Gillespie from Howell, New Jersey, Donald Luther Gillespie from Salem, West Virginia; one granddaughter, Isabella Marlene Scullin from Howell, New Jersey; and a brother, Ronal Gillespie from Melbourne, Florida.
I enjoyed every minute with him. He was truly respected by all who met him. I will miss him, but God gave us 63 wonderful years, and he is with him now.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Seneca Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to MD Anderson Cancer Center in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
