Obituary of J.D. Gillespie

J.D. Gillespie, age 79, of Idabel went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. He was born on June 24, 1928 in Anderson County, South Carolina. J.D. retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 24 years of service. He was a past commander of the American Legion. J.D. was very proud of his service to his country and was a charter member of the McCurtain County Memorial Veterans Museum. He and his wife traveled many different places in their R.V. following his retirement. J.D. enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Idabel and had lived in Idabel for 34 years moving from Denison, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Gillespie and Helen Ruth Smith Berger; and a grandson, Bret Lancaster. J.D. is survived by his wife, Laura Gillespie of Idabel; son, James “Pete” Gillespie of Plano, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Ernie Caddell of Culdesac, Idaho, Linda Faye Ortega of Orfino, Idaho, Pam and Don George of Denison, Texas, Paula Woods of Denison, Texas, and Ruth and Jeff Blanke of Tulsa; step-daughter, Doris Crowell of Durant; sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and John Carver of DePew, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.